Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Tasmania TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds for South East and parts of Western, Upper Derwent Valley, North West Coast, Central North, Central Plateau, Midlands and East Coast Forecast Districts. Issued at 4:58 am Friday, 17 April 2026. Damaging winds continuing over parts of Tasmania today. Weather Situation A cold front swept across the state yesterday, generating a vigorous westerly flow in its wake. As the front moves further into the Tasman Sea today, winds are tending more southwesterly before easing throughout on Saturday morning. DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: Western, Upper Derwent Valley, South East, East Coast, North West Coast, Central North, Central Plateau and Midlands For the SOUTHEAST including HOBART: DAMAGING WESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h are likely over higher terrain, with wind gusts to 100 km/h possible over lower lying areas. DAMAGING SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS with peak gusts around 100 km/h are likely to develop about the Tasman Peninsula and Maria Island from this morning. For the WESTERN TIERS: DAMAGING SOUTH TO SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts around 100 km/h are likely to develop during this afternoon and evening. Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds over Hobart and much of the southeast during this morning, but continuing along the far southern coastline and islands until this evening. Damaging winds are expected to persist about the Western Tiers into Saturday morning, before easing. Locations which may be affected include Hobart, Geeveston, Dover and Huonville. A wind gust of 148km/h was observed at kunanyi/Mt Wellington at 4:49pm Thursday. The 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 and report any outages to TasNetworks on 132 004. * Beware of damaged trees and power lines and take care when driving. * Listen to the ABC radio or check www.ses.tas.gov.au for further advice. * For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500. The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 am AEST Friday. Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.