Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in East Coast, Midlands and parts of Upper Derwent Valley, South East, North East, Central North and Central Plateau Forecast Districts.

Issued at 1:44 pm Saturday, 15 January 2022.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

Weather Situation: A slow moving trough and low pressure system moving over Tasmania this afternoon and evening provides favourable conditions for thunderstorms to develop.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Oatlands, St Helens, Swansea, Bicheno, Orford and Bothwell.

A slow moving storm has already developed to the east of the Central Plateau and is moving through the Midlands near Oatlands. More thunderstorms are possible for the remainder of the afternoon into this evening.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500.