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 2:44 pm Saturday, 15 January 2022.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOPING 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 capable of producing intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening 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.

30.2mm of rain fell over 30 minutes up to 2:21pm at Tunnack Fire Station.

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.