Wet weather forecast for east and south east Tasmania

UPDATED: The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Sheep Graziers Warning that cold temperatures, rain and showers and strong southwesterly winds are expected during Sunday and Monday. Areas likely to be affected include parts of the Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts. There is a risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions.

The Bureau has also issued a Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds for King Island and parts of Western, South East, North East, East Coast, North West Coast, Central North, Central Plateau and Midlands Forecast Districts.

EARLIER: A low-pressure system is forecast to bring heavy rains, flooding and damaging winds to east and south-east Tasmania from Sunday into early next week. 

The rain will be welcomed by many farmers following a period of persistent below average rainfall, particularly in the State’s south-east.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a flood watch for multiple regions across Tasmania including the North, North East, Huon, Derwent, and South East catchments, where minor flooding is possible from Monday morning. 

Several key catchments are likely to be affected by the anticipated rainfall and potential flooding, including South Esk River, Macquarie River, Huon River, Channel Coastal Rivers (South East Cape to Gordon), Derwent River, Jordan River Coal River, East Coastal Rivers (south of Bicheno) and South East.

The BOM said that a low-pressure system forming off the coast of New South Wales on Saturday will move southward, affecting eastern and southeastern Tasmania.

From late Sunday, as the low-pressure system intensifies, widespread rainfall is expected across the Flood Watch area. 

The BOM forecasts rainfall totals ranging from 20 to 50mm, with isolated totals of 80 to 100 mm possible. 

Additional rainfall of 25 to 35 mm are possible on Tuesday, furthering the risk of flooding.

The BOM advises residents in these areas to prepare for possible minor flooding and take necessary precautions. 

Photo by Renaud Confavreux