Bureau of Meteorology Issues Thunderstorm Warning for 20 Tasmania Towns

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a thunderstorm warning for damaging winds across 20 towns in Tasmania from early Friday morning to Friday afternoon on May 8. Tasmania SES told people to stay indoors where possible as the warning covered Waratah, Gunns Plains, Wilmot, Sheffield and other surrounding areas.

The warning names 20 towns: Waratah, Gunns Plains, Wilmot, Sheffield, Moina, Claude Road, Nietta, Hampshire, Yolla, Gowrie Park, Castra, Mole Creek, Meander, Deloraine, Golden Valley, Bracknell, Cressy, Poatina and Tunbridge. Tasmania SES said people in or near the storm area should use their emergency plan if they have one and make sure their emergency kit is ready.

Tasmania SES Advice

Tasmania SES said the conditions may lead to fallen trees, branches and power lines, flying objects, damage to homes, buildings and vehicles, dangerous driving conditions and potential road closures. It advised people to look after children and pets, check on family, friends and neighbours, and never shelter under trees or power lines.

The service also told people to secure loose outdoor items, including furniture and play equipment, and move vehicles under cover or away from trees. It said people should be ready for possible power, water, phone or internet outages.

Waratah to Tunbridge

The warning reaches towns across northern and central parts of Tasmania, turning a single weather forecast into a practical problem for drivers, householders and anyone with outdoor property in the path of the winds. The advice from Tasmania SES is aimed at reducing exposure before the strongest conditions arrive and while they are moving through the region.

For residents, the immediate step is to bring loose items inside, park away from trees and stay indoors where possible through Friday afternoon. The combination of fallen trees, damaged power lines and possible outages leaves basic travel and day-to-day access vulnerable across the warning area.