’Tropical air mass’ to deliver heavy rainfall

EXPERTS are warning “one of the most significant rainfall events to hit northern Tasmania” since the 2016 floods is heading our way.

SES crews are being mobilised in the North and residents urged to prepare now, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a flood watch for the northern half of the state.

Manager of Hazard Preparedness and Response Tasmania Simon Louis explained a “very tropical” band of rain would move across the state, leading to very heavy rainfall starting in the North-West FriHighlands,” day morning, continuing overnight and into Saturday.

“We’re expecting to see 40-80mm of rain widespread (in the warning area) with the potential for much higher totals in the 100-200mm range in elevated areas including the Western Tiers and Northeast Mr Louis said.

“We could see a lot of thunderstorm activity with this rainband which could enhance the amount of rainfall we get so all of these things together means there’s quite a high risk of flash flooding, rivulets coming up quite rapidly and even flooding in the major rivers.

“With the very tropical and humid air mass and the potential for thunderstorms this could very well be one of the most significant rainfall events in the north of Tasmania (since 2016).”

The June 2016 event saw more than 100 properties flooded, more than 100 people rescued from floodwater and many towns including Latrobe inundated and damaged.

Tasmania SES Acting Assistant Director Operations and Resources Nick Connelly warned residents to prepare their homes and limit travel to avoid risking their lives if flash flooding occurred.

“We’re asking people (to be) prepared for the possibility of being cut off in remote areas,” Mr Connelly said.

“Look out for pets, stock on rural properties and make sure children are supervised and vulnerable people in their community (are looked after).”

Mr Connelly said they had alerted all SES units that may be impacted by the weather event to be on standby.

“We’re standing up most of the units across the North, North-West and East Coast to make sure we can support any units that have too many tasks to undertake,” he said. “We do have concerns with flash flooding event and what that could lead to, so we’re asking residents to be prepared or not out in it at all.”

If residents require SES assistance, phone 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies, phone triple-0.

THIS COULD VERY WELL BE ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL EVENTS IN THE NORTH OF TASMANIA

SIMON LOUIS