IDT21037
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS

For people in Upper Derwent Valley, South East, East Coast, Central Plateau and parts of Western, North East, North West Coast, Central North and Midlands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:53 pm Thursday, 17 September 2026.

Damaging winds developing early Friday morning and extending into Hobart during Friday afternoon.

Weather Situation: Westerly flow strengthens throughout Friday as a weak front passes to the south of the state. These winds contract to the eastern half of the state by Saturday morning as the front clears, before easing by Saturday afternoon.

DAMAGING WESTERLY WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are likely to develop early Friday morning for southern elevated areas and exposed southwest coastlines. Wind gusts exceeding 120 km/h are possible for elevated locations in the south. During Friday afternoon these winds will extend towards the Central Plateau and elevated northeast, before lowering into Hobart and remainder of the low lying eastern areas from the late afternoon.

Winds are expected to ease in Hobart by midnight, before contracting to elevated areas only early on Saturday morning. Winds ease throughout the warning area by midday on Saturday.

Locations which may be affected include Hobart, Swansea, New Norfolk, Bicheno, Orford and Geeveston.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Supervise children closely.
* Check that family and neighbours are aware of warnings.
* Manage pets and livestock.
* Secure outdoor items including furniture and play equipment.
* Be prepared in case of power outages and report any outages to TasNetworks on 132 004.
* Beware of damaged trees and power lines and take care when driving.
* Listen to the ABC radio or check www.ses.tas.gov.au for further advice.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AEST Thursday.

Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.