Thunderstorms and heavy rain hit Tasmania on Sunday. Strong winds damaged power lines, cutting power to more than 30,000 customers. The threat continues as another round of heavy rain and gales approaches the island.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said a cold front moved through Tasmania, home to about 570,000 people, on Sunday morning, bringing heavy rain and winds of up to 100 kilometres per hour. The rain flooded roads and the gusty winds uprooted trees and power lines.
Ready for evacuation
Power lines were severely damaged by the strong winds. Initially, 34,000 homes were without power, but by Sunday evening, supplier TasNetworks said that had fallen to 12,000.
Due to further impending weather threats, it is expected that power restoration could take several days.
Dangerous weather conditions forced the closure of several schools, which will not admit students to classes on Monday. Residents of some flooded areas were given the opportunity to rest and charge their phones in public buildings.
Local authorities have issued a flood warning that could cut off many residents from the world for several days. Flooding is expected in buildings, and many roads may be impassable. Emergency services have urged residents of the Derwent and Styx river valleys to prepare for possible evacuation due to the risk of flooding. According to forecasts, another wave of storm will hit the island on the night from Sunday to Monday.
PAP, ABC News, TasNetworks
Main image source: Reuters