Media release – severe weather update

Date: 15 October 2022

 While it is no longer raining heavily in the Northern and North West regions, rivers are still rising as floodwaters move downstream across the weekend.

Isolated showers are expected to continue with expected rainfall up to 10-25mm for the North and North West region.

The situation is being monitored and flood warnings will be updated as the flooding develops and peaks are forecast.

There is an Emergency Warning – Avoid flooded areas still current for:

  • Meander River (Deloraine, north of the Bass Highway only, Reedy Marsh, Exton, Westbury, Selbourne, Quamby Bend, Hagley, Westwood, Carrick and surrounds).

SES advises that if you live in these areas, you should monitor www.tasalert.com for updates to SES flood warnings.

If staying with family and friends is not an option, the evacuation centres for these areas are:

  • Deloraine Community Centre – 2-8 Alverston Drive, Deloraine
  • University of Tasmania, Newnham, off Newnham Drive.

Low numbers of people have made use of the Council managed evacuation centres.

The SES continues to monitor the Western, Dampers, Mole Creeks and Lobsters Rivulet as well as the River Ouse and Macquarie, Meander, South Esk, Hadspen, Lake, North Esk, Liffey, St Patricks, Forth and Mersey Rivers.

Road closures across impact areas due to flood and storm damage. Details of road closures are changing rapidly and details are maintained on Tasmania Police – Community Alerts website.

The SES has reiterated warnings that driving conditions may be dangerous. Some roads and bridges may be impacted. Drive to the conditions and do not drive through flood waters. Flood waters are a risk to safety, never walk, play, ride, or drive in floodwater.

The State Emergency Service Acting Director, Leon Smith, advises that “While rain has eased, floodwaters will continue to pose a threat for some time and it will take several days before the floodwaters subside.”

TasWater continues to monitor the dam at Lake Isandula, near Gawler.

  • Downstream of Lake Isandula Dam (Isandula Road, Preston Road and Gawler Road), an advice message is in place to return safely.

From midnight to 1500 hours on Friday 14 October, the SES received 193 calls to 132 500, resulting in 13 Requests for Assistance. Overnight statistics are not available at the time of this release.

The Tasmania Emergency Information Service has been established to provide flood-affected communities with general information throughout this weather event. People can call 6145 5303 for the cost of a local call.

For flood and storm assistance call 132 500 and for life threatening emergencies call Triple Zero.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has advised that this a significant rain event and it is expected to impact the north and north-west of the state with ongoing flooding into next week.

Tasmania Police are reminding drone operators to be safe and aware of the rules surrounding the use of unmanned aircraft, particularly those that may restrict flying where emergency operations using aircraft are under way.

SES flood warnings are on TasALERT and should be carefully monitored.

Advice to community:

SES urge people to seek further information and keep up-to-date with information from:

In the event of heavy rainfall and flooding:

  • Check that family and neighbours, especially those who are vulnerable, are aware and have a plan in place.
  • Supervise children closely.
  • Minimise unnecessary travel.
  • Never enter or drive through floodwaters, and when driving look out for debris on roads including fallen trees and power lines.
  • Manage pets and livestock.
  • Be prepared for flash-flooding.
  • Be prepared for power outages.
  • Listen to the ABC radio.

For assistance:

  • Tasmania Emergency Information Service for flood-affected communities with general information throughout this weather event on 6145 5303 for the cost of a local call.
  • Call SES on 132 500 for flood and storm-related emergency assistance.
  • Dial Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency.

A press conference updating the situation will be held at the Emergency Management Centre ground floor media room, 70 Collins St, at 11.30am today, 15 October.