Flooding sends a bridge too far

WILD weather hitting the state on Thursday has resulted in a bridge under construction flooding for the second time this year.

Orford Bridge, on Rheban Rd, has been blocked off on either side after the bridge washed away early last night.

Glamorgan Spring Bay Council general manager Greg Ingham said driving through the section crossing the Orford Rivulet was “physically impossible” — as it had been when the area experienced significant rains and flooded in April.

“The main concern for people would be access to commodities, but the pedestrian access further down across the creek is safe ,” Mr Ingham said.

“The community has banded together well and people are driving people up and dropping them at the pedestrian access point .”

Mr Ingham said the flooding had not caused any threat to property. He said a temporary bridge would be delivered early this morning with hopes to have the bridge ready to support vehicles later today.

SEVERE weather warnings were issued across Tasmania on Thursday as heavy rain and strong wind slashed most of the state with rain continuing and potential thunder on Friday.

The east and northeast copped the worst of the weather with 167mm of rain falling at Gray on the East Coast as the main rain band moved south.

Police closed roads at An sons Bay, Four Mile Creek, Cornwall, Rheban, Bicheno and Scamander, and warned of nearly a dozen more hazardous roads across the state.

State Emergency Service crews attended less than 20 “minor” incidents.

SES northern regional manager Mhairi Revie said heavy rainfall caused “flash flooding issues”, but the day was not as bad as expected.

About 25 SES workers attended call-outs across the state with some homes inundated. Many will remain on call overnight.

Ms Revie said many of the issues were prevent able and it was a reminder to clear gutters and prepare for more heavy rainfall events with Australia on La Nina watch.

The weather forced the closure of COVID-19 testing clinic sat West Park in Burnie, East Devonport Recreation Ground and Inveresk in Launceston. Bookings to attend the Inveresk clinic were moved to Friday.

Lael Wakamatsu and Peter Puskic were caught as they walked home from work through the down pour.

Ms Wakamatsu said she hated the rain but was looking forward to warming up by the fire with a cup of tea.

A flood watch was issued for northern Tasmania with minor flood warnings for the Meander, Macquarie and Jordan rivers, a moderate flood warning for the South Esk River and a flood warning for Coal River. By 4.30 pm St Patricks Head near St Marys had copped 155 mm of rain.

Hobart had received 8mm by 4.30 pm with showers continuing into the evening.

The bureau has forecast more rain on Friday. Senior forecaster Deb Tabor said thunderstorms may rumble across the northeast with a cool westerly to south westerly change.

There will be strong winds in the Bass Strait, but “light winds everywhere else ”.