Emergency services are continuing to respond to an extreme weather event in the greater Hobart area overnight.

Several people were rescued by emergency crews, with Tasmania Fire Service crews assisting Police in rescuing two people whose car became stuck in flood waters in Risdon Road, New Town, when they attempted to drive through it.

Fire fighters also rescued a security guard from an alarm monitoring room at UTAS Sandy Bay campus. He was trapped as the room, which had no windows, filled with water. The man was luckily uninjured but shaken by the experience.

Quick action by fire fighters also prevented a boat from sinking at Kings Pier marina.

Motorists are strongly urged to avoid unnecessary travel in the CBD, New Town and Sandy Bay areas.

Major roads in the CBD are significantly affected by floodwaters and debris, and power outages are affecting some traffic lights.  The roads are unlikely to be open for several hours.

It is requested that people with medical emergencies only present at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Significant delays are expected across the CBD as roads remain closed across peak hour.  Emergency crews also require access to the roads to clear debris.

Road closures include;

• the lower end of Davey Street between Campbell and Argyle St
• Davey between Campbell and Burnett
• Brooker Hwy between Brisbane and Warwick
• Channel Hwy between Browns Road and Beach Road
• Risdon Road, Morrison Street between Murray and Castray
• Sandy Bay Road between Waimea and Derwent Water Avenues
• Salamanca Place
• McRobies Road

Up to date road closures can be found at www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts

Many roads are affected by floodwaters and debris.  Stormwater has overflowed contaminating the floodwaters.

Emergency services have received hundreds of calls for assistance – wind damage to roofs and sheds and trees blown over. There have been flash flooding events in Blackmans Bay, Kingston, Sandy Bay and the Hobart CBD.

SES crews have been triaging calls and responding to the most urgent. Crews are continuing to work through requests for assistance.  There are no reports of injuries at this time.

SES advises that evacuation centres have been established at Mathers House at 180 Bathurst Street (next to the State Library) and in Kingston at 99 Beach Road (behind Raine and Horne Real Estate) for people requiring information support or shelter. Local council staff will be available to assist.

The weather event is persisting and further wind and heavy rain is expected between 8am and midday, and people are urged to be prepared and avoid unnecessary travel.

For assistance:

SES 132500

Life-threatening emergencies 000

Police non-emergencies 131444