The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that moderate flooding is possible on Tasmania's Huon River at Tahune Bridge from Saturday afternoon, with minor flooding possible downstream at Huonville.
The warning was issued at 12.15pm on Saturday, the fourth for this event. Moderate rainfall has fallen across the Huon catchment since Friday, and the Bureau said snowmelt has added to the river rises.
At 12.13pm the Huon at Tahune Bridge was at 4.29 metres and falling, already in minor flood. The Bureau expects renewed rises to the moderate level of 5.0 metres from Saturday afternoon on forecast rainfall and further snowmelt. At Judbury the river was at 3.92 metres and falling, just under the minor flood level of 4.0 metres, and may reach about 4.30 metres. At Huonville it was at 2.64 metres and rising, and may reach the minor level of 3.00 metres on the high tide.
A separate warning covers the Styx River, where minor flooding at Bruces Bridge has eased. The Bureau issued that warning at 11.54am and expects renewed rises to the minor level from Saturday afternoon. Forecast sites on the Derwent, Ouse and Clyde are expected to stay below minor flood level.
Hobart's forecast for the rest of Saturday is cloudy with a medium chance of showers, a top of 13 and a 50 per cent chance of any rain, with westerly winds turning northwesterly late. Sunday eases to partly cloudy, a top of 15 and a 20 per cent chance of rain.
The Bureau's advice for anyone in the catchment is the standard one. Do not drive, walk or swim in floodwater. Stay away from flooded drains and waterways, and obey road closure signs. The State Emergency Service can be reached on 132 500, and emergency warnings for Tasmania are published at alert.tas.gov.au.
The next Huon River warning is due by 11am on Sunday and the next Styx River warning by midday. River heights update through the day as the gauges report, and the Huonville peak depends on how much of the forecast rain lands before the afternoon high tide.
