This post summarizes the latest severe wind and storm event in Tasmania, which has caused tragic loss of life, significant infrastructure damage and widespread power outages.
As an experienced meteorologist and disaster-response analyst, I break down what happened, the immediate impacts on communities and services, and practical guidance for residents and responders in the days ahead.
Overview of the event
The state experienced very strong and damaging winds that led to two fatalities after a tree fell on private property in north‑west Tasmania on Friday afternoon.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued flood watches and state‑wide weather warnings, forecasting continued severe winds into Saturday and further rain over the weekend.
Key facts and figures
Wind gusts of 100–110 km/h were expected across much of the island before easing later in the evening.
The most extreme gusts were measured in the north‑east and at Scotts Peak in the south, reaching 139 km/h.
Emergency services logged 72 calls for assistance, primarily for fallen trees and wind damage.
Critical infrastructure was affected: Mersey Community Hospital sustained weather damage, ambulances were diverted and some clinical services had to operate at reduced capacity.
Wider impacts on communities and services
More than 20,000 homes lost power, predominantly in the north and north‑west.
TasNetworks warned that some outages could persist for up to 72 hours.
Several roads were blocked by fallen trees, including access routes to Hobart’s kunanyi/Mt Wellington.
Qantas canceled flights to Devonport and a Melbourne–Launceston service due to extreme conditions.
What this means on the ground
Power outages of this scale disrupt communications, heating, refrigeration and fuel pumps, compounding risks during continuing rain and cold conditions.
Damage to hospital facilities and diversion of ambulances strains local health services at a time when access and staffing may already be compromised.
Fallen trees and debris make roads hazardous, slowing emergency response and recovery operations.
Practical safety advice
Residents should treat this event as a serious storm incident and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.
Prepare for potential prolonged outages and stay informed through official channels until the warnings are lifted and crews restore infrastructure.
Immediate actions to take
Essential steps to reduce risk and remain safe during and after the storm include:
Looking ahead: response and resilience
Emergency services and utility crews will be prioritising life‑safety issues, hospital access and major power feeds first.
Restoration will be staged and communicated by TasNetworks and local councils.
Longer‑term lessons
Events with 100–140 km/h gusts underline the importance of tree management near homes and critical infrastructure.
Resilient hospital infrastructure planning and community preparedness are also crucial.
As Tasmania moves through further rain and wind in the coming days, individuals and organisations should remain vigilant.
They should follow official directions.
Here is the source article for this story: Two dead as severe weather brings down trees and powerlines in Tasmania