Polar blast prompts safety warning

WIDESPREAD frost and “well below average” minimum temperatures will persist in Tasmania until Friday, with two car crashes in the state’s centre forcing police to plea with the public.

Tasmania Police Inspector Jim Semmens said motorists needed to slow down and drive with caution as the state grapples with a polar blast.

“With ice on our roads on Tuesday morning, which is predicted to continue for the coming days, it’s timely for police to remind all motorists of the importance of driving to the conditions and being alert for ice on our roads,” he said.

Tasmania Police responded to crashes at Arthurs Lake and Miena on Tuesday, with early investigations indicating icy road conditions contributed to both.

No serious injuries were reported in the crashes.

“Winter brings adverse road conditions such as ice, rain and snow, which make road surfaces slippery, and it is imperative motorists drive to the conditions to prevent crashes,” Insp Semmens said.

Tasmania Police recommends drivers leave plenty of space between them and the car ahead, pay attention to road warning signs and ensure their tyres are in good condition.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s Michael Conway said Tasmanians would be “a lot colder than normal” up until the weekend.

“The minimum temperatures will be well below average and it will be quite frosty,” he said.

“We’re expecting pretty much statewide frost for many days.

“You can get some really bad conditions at the end of a string of frosty days.”

Snow levels in Tasmania lifted on Tuesday but generally remained at a range of 800m to 900m.