Thousands lose power

THOUSANDS of homes were without power across Tasmania last night, with the North-West, North and West Coast hit hardest.

About 8000 homes were without power in the NorthWest, including Burnie, Wynyard, Somerset, Penguin, Sheffield, Spreyton, West Kentish and Boat Harbour.

On the West Coast, power at 650 homes was knocked out between Zeehan, Granville Harbour and Rosebery.

In the North, more than 200 homes were affected at Glengarry, 200 between Hillwood and Exeter and 160 properties at Edith Creek in Circular Head.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for the North-West and North-East coasts for the weekend. Winds were forecast to reach up to 110km/h on the West Coast, in the North and North-East early this morning, with gusts of 120km/h possible.

Winds will average 60-70 km/h and, while they are forecast to ease slightly this morning, will remain gusty tonight.

Areas to be affected include Devonport, Burnie, St Helens, Strahan and Queenstown.

Last night, strong gusts were recorded at King Island Airport (102km/h), Devonport Airport (96km/h) and Hobart (87km/h). Winds caused a tree to fall in St Davids Park yesterday afternoon. Hobart City Council will remove it next week. A flood watch was in place for northeastern river basins and the Huon River.