Emergency services are continuing to respond to an extreme weather event in the greater Hobart area overnight.
While conditions are expected to ease in the south later this afternoon, motorists are strongly urged to avoid unnecessary travel in the CBD, New Town and Sandy Bay areas.

As the weather event leaves Tasmania, heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding is possible for the east coast, north-east and Furneaux Islands district. Although heavy rainfall is likely for these areas, the exceptional rainfall totals occurred in greater Hobart last night aren’t expected for the remainder of the day.

Major roads in the CBD are still 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 over 300 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 in priority order. Crews – including crews deployed from the North and North-West – are continuing to work through requests for assistance. There are no reports of injuries.

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.

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.
* Beware of damaged trees and power lines and take care when driving.
* Clear drains and gutters on premises prior to severe weather arriving.
* Do not walk, ride or drive through flood waters.
* Listen to the ABC radio or check www.ses.tas.gov.au for further advice.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500.

For assistance:
SES 132500
Life-threatening emergencies 000
Police non-emergencies 131444
For more information about wider government services check out www.tasalert.com.au