Flood Event – greater Hobart area

Overnight, the greater Hobart area has experienced an extreme weather event.

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 Macquarie Street, 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