Thousands of people from Latrobe to Liena have been urged to evacuate their homes after the Mersey River broke its banks amid increasing rainfall.
The SES issued evacuation orders on Thursday afternoon, saying Kimberly, Elizabeth Town, Merseylea, Sunnyside, Railton, Sassafras, Latrobe and Tarleton were all likely to be affected.
Evacuation orders were also issued for Meander to Hadspen, with Meander, Montana, Red Hills, Deloraine, Reedy Marsh, Exton, Westbury, Selbourne, Quamby Bend, Hagley, Westwood and Carrick likely to be affected.
Flood warnings are also active for the Forth River, Macquarie River and North Esk River, and a flood watch has been issued for the North West, North and North East, and Derwent catchments.
Four evacuation centres have been set up in Railton, Latrobe, Ulverstone and Deloraine.
Rainfall was forecast to increase on Thursday evening into Friday morning, and authorities warned flooding could continue for days.
SES acting director Leon Smith urged Tasmanians to remain vigilant in a press conference on Thursday, saying authorities were "expecting consistent rainfalls, in fact, higher rainfall values than what we've seen".
Mr Smith said another 100 millimetres of rain was expected to fall in some areas and rivers are expected to continue rising overnight, but authorities were in a “very good position from an intelligence position”.
"Understanding the rainfall, understanding where it's actually landing within the catchments, how the catchments are reacting … we're in a really good position, given the recent launch of the flood-warning system," he said.
“This is a significant event for Tasmania and we're continuing to treat it very seriously."
Latrobe 'better prepared than in 2016'
Latrobe caravan park owner Gavin Imlach said 25 guests had evacuated after the SES told him his park would go under.
The last time it flooded was "the big event in 2016, where we got totally smashed", Mr Imlach said.
"On this occasion, we've been able to prepare. On that occasion, we woke up with the warning and water around us.
"On this occasion, we've been able to evacuate. We've been able to prepare and [we] can deal with it as it happens."
Latrobe Mayor Peter Freshney said his community was much better prepared than it was for the devastating 2016 floods, despite a long-awaited levee system still remaining incomplete.
"In June 2016 … we had helicopters flying overhead trying to get to people who were sitting on their rooftops, for example. People were trying to rescue stock that were being washed away," he said at a press conference on Thursday.
"But now, today, thanks to the efforts that have been put in since 2016, they have their stock on higher ground, they are moving machinery to higher ground and we won't be, hopefully, rescuing people off rooftops. We'll be rescuing them before the event happens."
Several people rescued in Liffey
Mr Smith said the SES had received 120 calls for help as of Thursday afternoon and had attended 27 incidents across the state: one in the south, 12 in the north and 14 in the north-west.
Earlier on Thursday, several people were rescued in Liffey, police said.
"A number of people" were rescued from two buses on private property. Police said the buses were the living quarters of those rescued.
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Paul Fox-Hughes said a number of places had recorded 24-hour rainfall records for October.
"We're expecting rainfall rates to ramp-up again later this afternoon and into this evening," he said.
Look back over the day's events in our blog.
Key events
- Evacuation order issued for Meander to Hadspen
- Evacuation order issued for Liena to Latrobe
- The Mersey River has broken its banks at Latrobe
- Four evacuation centres opened as SES receives 120 calls for help
- Rainfall expected to increase this afternoon, flooding to continue for days: BOM
- A 'number of people' rescued on Liffey Rd, police say
Live updates
By James Dunlevie
Latest warnings, forecasts and emergency numbers
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For life-threatening emergencies, dial triple zero (000)
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For emergency flood and storm assistance call the SES on 132 500.
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For current river levels and weather conditions, visit www.bom.gov.au/tas/
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For current reported road closures, visit www.police.tas.gov.au
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For more information on preparing for flood, visit www.ses.tas.gov.au
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Things you’ll need in case of an emergency https://ab.co/SurvivalKit
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ABC Emergency guide to prepare for a flood https://ab.co/PlanForAFlood
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ABC Hobart on 936AM or online
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Search for a different frequency using the ABC Radio Finder
By Dan Smith
Follow ABC Emergency for the latest updates
Thanks for joining our live coverage - this is where we'll wrap up the blog for today.
We'll be back tomorrow, but you can get all the latest updates at ABC Emergency in the meantime.
Stay safe, everyone.
By Dan Smith
Watch and Act issued for Hadspen to Blackstone Heights
A Flood Watch and Act - Monitor conditions has been issued for Hadspen to Blackstone Heights & surrounds by Tasmania SES.
Based on current rainfall flooding is likely to occur along the lower Meander River and the lower South Esk River.
Locations likely to be impacted are: Hadspen, Westwood, Riverside, Travellers Rest, Blackstone Heights
Conditions will change within the next few hours. Monitor conditions:
- Flooding is likely in streams and rivers
- Lives could be at risk from flood waters
- Some properties may become isolated or inundated by flood waters
- Evacuation of some properties may be required
- Property, livestock, equipment, and crops may be threatened by flood waters
- Driving conditions may be dangerous
Floodwaters are a risk to safety, never walk, play, ride, or drive in floodwater.
What to do:
If you live in the alert area and/or near the lower Meander River and the lower South Esk River, SES advises:
- If you have a flood emergency plan, use it now
- Prepare your property (if safe to do so). This may include:
- If conditions worsen and safe to do so, leave and go to the home of a family member or friend who is in a safe location away from the flood-affected area
By Dan Smith
'We'll just have to wait and see now', Railton residents say
A flood emergency warning has been issued for the north-west Tasmanian town of Railton and surrounds, as floodwaters sweep the state's north and north-west.
Phil Broomhall, who runs the Railton Hotel that backs onto the now-swollen Redwater Creek, says the town is bracing itself.
"We just have to wait and see now, see how high it gets. We've got SES running around all the time here at the moment, so it's pretty good.
"SES and volunteers have sandbagged all the town, all the shops and everything, all the doors and stuff, all through the streets, and all the evacuated. we just went through another truckload of sandbags to come in, so we can do some of the houses that have been evacuated in the low-lying areas.
"Hopefully, we won't get any water through the hotel; I don't mind if it comes around it, as long as it doesn't come in, because once it comes in, you've got carpets and tiles and everything on the floor gets dirty and muggy, and that's the worst part."
By Dan Smith
Emu River at Burnie is raging
ABC reporter Monte Bovill is in Burnie, and as you can see, the Emu River is stronger and higher than it was earlier in the day when we saw it.
By Dan Smith
Evacuation order issued for Meander to Hadspen
A Flood Emergency Warning - Evacuate Now has been issued for Meander to Hadspen and surrounds by Tasmania SES.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a major flood warning for the Meander River.
Locations likely to be impacted are: Meander, Montana, Red Hills, Deloraine, Reedy Marsh, Exton, Westbury, Selbourne, Quamby Bend, Hagley, Westwood, Carrick and surrounds.
An evacuation centre is located at:
- Deloraine Community Centre - 2-8 Alverston Drive, Deloraine.
SES advises that if you live in this area, evacuate now if it is safe to do so. Widespread flooding is expected. Lives are at risk from flood waters.
- Driving conditions may be dangerous. Some roads and bridges may be impacted
- Drive to the conditions and do not drive through floodwaters
Flood waters are a risk to safety, never walk, play, ride, or drive in floodwater.
What to do:
If you live in the alert area and/or near the Meander River, SES advises:
- If you have a flood plan, use it now
- Consider leaving now for a safer place if it is safe to do so. This may include going to the home of family or friends
- Follow the advice of emergency services
- If you do choose to leave now, let your family or friends know when you are leaving and when you expect to arrive. Take pets with you
- If you choose not to leave now, be ready to evacuate if this is advised by emergency services
- Have your emergency kit available with medications, prescriptions, torches, batteries, valuables, and important papers
By Dan Smith
Evacuation order issued for Liena to Latrobe
A Flood Emergency Warning - Evacuate Now has been issued for Liena to Latrobe and surrounds by Tasmania SES.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a major flood warning for the Mersey River.
Locations likely to be impacted are: Kimberly, Elizabeth Town, Merseylea, Sunnyside, Railton, Sassafras, Latrobe, Tarleton, and surrounds
Evacuation centre is located at:
- Latrobe Memorial Hall – 170 Gilbert Street, Latrobe.
- The Green Shed - 52 Crockers Street, Railton.
SES advises that if you live in the Liena to Latrobe and surrounds area, evacuate now if it is safe to do so. Widespread flooding is expected. Lives are at risk from floodwaters.
- Driving conditions may be dangerous. Some roads and bridges may be impacted
- Drive to the conditions and do not drive through floodwaters
Flood waters are a risk to safety, never walk, play, ride, or drive in floodwater.
What to do:
If you live in the alert area and/or near the Mersey river, SES advises:
- If you have a flood emergency plan, use it now
- If it is safe to do so, leave now and go to the home of a family member or friend who are in a safe location or an evacuation centre
- Let your family or friends know when you are leaving and when you expect to arrive
- Take pets with you. Take your emergency kit (medicine, prescriptions, important documents)
- Turn off electricity at the switchboard before leaving your property
- If it is not safe to leave, call SES on 132 500 for advice and assistance
By Dan Smith
A wide Emu River in Burnie
It's looking wet in Burnie - this image is looking from the bridge towards the Fern Glade picnic area.
Craig took this around midday today.
By Dan Smith
Multiple flood warnings are in place - here's a summary
Let's do a bit of a summary of what the situation is up north.
A severe weather warning and multiple flood warnings are in place and these will worsen today and tomorrow with rain expected to clear late Friday.
- There is a major flood warning for the Mersey River
- Moderate flood warning for the Forth River, Macquarie River, Meander River, North Esk River
- Flood watch for North West, North and North East, and Derwent catchments
- Redwater Creek: Prepare to evacuate has been issued for Railton and surrounds by Tasmania SES.
- Mersey River: Prepare to evacuate has been issued for Liena to Latrobe and surrounds by Tasmania SES. Major flooding is possible at Kimberley from Thursday afternoon and at Latrobe bridge from Thursday evening.
- North Esk River: Moderate flooding is likely at Corra Linn and minor flooding is likely at Nunamara offtake from Thursday afternoon.
- Meander River: Major flooding may occur along the Meander River above Deloraine and below Strathbridge from Thursday afternoon through to Friday morning, and possible at Westwood bridge during Friday.
- Macquarie River: Major flooding is occurring at Parknook, moderate flooding is possible at above Westmoor and Cressy Pumps from Thursday overnight.
- Forth River: Moderate flooding may occur along the Lower Forth River below Paloona Dam and below Wilmot Friday morning.
By Dan Smith
Nunamara, Corkerys Rd residents urged to move to higher ground
A Flood Watch and Act - Move to higher ground (away from creeks and rivers) has been issued for Nunamara to Corkerys Road and surrounds by Tasmania SES.
Locations likely to be impacted are: Nunamara, Myrtle Bank, Corkerys Road and surrounds
Flooding is occurring now:
- Flooding is likely in streams and rivers
- Lives could be at risk from flood waters
- Some properties may become isolated or inundated by flood waters
- Evacuation of some properties may be required
- Property, livestock, equipment, and crops may be threatened by flood waters
- Driving conditions may be dangerous
Flood waters are a risk to safety, never walk, play, ride, or drive in floodwater.
What to do:
If you live in the alert area and/or near the river, SES advises:
- If you have a flood emergency plan, use it now
- Prepare your property (if safe to do so). This may include:
- If conditions worsen and safe to do so, leave and go to the home of a family member or friend who is in a safe location away from the flood-affected area
- Contact family, friends, and neighbours to alert them of the potential for flooding
By Dan Smith
Don't drive through floodwaters
Seriously. It's a bad idea.
By Dan Smith
'Likely some animals may have been lost' as wildlife park in Gunns Plains floods
Wings Wildlife Park in Gunns Plains, south of Ulverstone, has suffered "significant structural damage" after Walloa Creek rose rapidly and flooded it.
Owners and staff were able to access the park early on Thursday but were forced out by rising floodwaters. Buildings have been damaged and stock in the store has been lost. Dramatic video footage shows floodwater rushing through the front door.
"We can confirm the majority of animals are safe and well, but initial assessments confirm some enclosures have been damaged and it is likely some animals may have been lost through this unfortunate occurrence," owner Ian Waller said in a Facebook post.
"The members of the Wing Family and all the park staff are well and accounted for but are all devastated by the impacts of this flood and will now need time to assess the future of this amazing family experience and how they can move forward from yet another devasting event."
By Dan Smith
Caravan park evacuated in Latrobe
In Latrobe, 25 guests are being evacuated from a caravan park.
Park owner Gavin says the SES told him it's a certainty he'll be flooded out.
The last time they flooded was "the big event in 2016, where we got totally smashed".
"On this occasion, we've been able to prepare, on that occasion, we woke up with the warning and water around us. On this occasion we've been able to evacuate, we've been able to prepare, and can deal with it as it happens."
By Dan Smith
The Mersey River has broken its banks at Latrobe
ABC reporter Monte Bovill is at Latrobe, where the Mersey River has broken its banks.
By Dan Smith
SES 'in a very good position', acting director says
Mr Smith says emergency services are well-placed to respond to the current situation.
"We're in a very good position from an intelligence position, understanding the rainfall, understanding where it's actually landing within the catchments, how the catchments are reacting, and we're in a really good position given the recent launch of the flood warning system ... This is a significant event for Tasmania and we're continuing to treat it very seriously."
By Dan Smith
Warnings active now
"If predicted rainfall patterns reach forecast levels, townships across northern Tasmania will be impacted such as Railton, Latrobe, Wivenhoe, Burnie, and Sheffield," Mr Smith continues.
Flood Watch and Act – Prepare Now warnings are also in place for the following rivers and creeks:
- Lake River
- Forth River
- Meander River
- Mersey River
- Western Creek, Dampers Creek, Mole Creek and Lobster Rivulet
- Leven River
- North Esk River
Areas that may see inundated properties and blocked access routes include:
- Railton
- Latrobe
- Mersey River – Liena to Latrobe
- Lake River communities
- Kindred, Paloona, Forth, Forthside, Turners Beach, Leith and surrounds
- Meander, Montana, Red Hills, Deloraine, Reedy March, Exton, Westbury, Selbourne, Quamby Bend, Hagley, Westwood, Carrick, Hadspen and surrounds
- Dairy Plains, Montana, Caveside, Chudleigh, Mole Creek, Long Ridge, Needles and surrounds
- Gunns Plains
- Blessington, White Hills and surrounds
- Corra Linn, Relbia, St Leonards, Norwood, Ravenswood and Mowbray
By Dan Smith
Four evacuation centres opened as SES receives 120 calls for help
The SES has so far attended 27 statewide incidents (one in the south, 12 in the north and 14 in the northwest) with 120 calls received.
SES acting director Leon Smith says Emergency – Prepare to Evacuate warnings are in place for Redwater Creek covering Railton and surrounds as well as Mersey River covering Liena to Latrobe township.
Evacuation Centres have been opened at:
- Railton Green Hall – 52 Crocker Street, Railton
- Latrobe Memorial Hall – 170 Gilbert Street, Latrobe
- Ulverstone Recreation Centre - 2 Flora St, Ulverstone
- Deloraine Community Centre - 2-8 Alverston Dr, Deloraine
"The Tasmania Emergency Information Service has also been established to provide flood-affected communities with general information throughout this weather event. People can call 6145 5303 for the cost of a local call.
"For flood and storm assistance call 132 500 and for life-threatening emergencies call triple-zero."
By Dan Smith
Don't go for a drive to take photos of floodwaters: police
Tasmania Police is asking people to stay away from floodwaters.
Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Higgins says there have been reports of people driving around looking at floodwaters and taking photographs.
"Please don't do that.
"You're just increasing the traffic flows in areas where roads are closed and you're inhibiting the emergency services from being able to monitor the events that are unfolding and to help those people that need help."
By Dan Smith
'It hasn't ended yet': Another 100mm set to fall in some areas
SES acting director Leon Smith is urging Tasmanians to remain vigilant.
"It hasn't ended yet, we've got a number of hours into the early hours of tomorrow morning where we're expecting consistent rainfalls, in fact, higher rainfall values than what we've seen today."
Mr Smith says another 100mm of rain is expected to fall in some areas and rivers are expected to continue rising overnight.
By Dan Smith
Rainfall expected to increase this afternoon, flooding to continue for days: BOM
The Bureau of Meteorology says rainfall is expected to increase later this afternoon and this evening in the north and north-west of Tasmania.
Senior forecaster Paul Fox-Hughes says yingina/Great Lake has received the highest amount of rain, with 220mm recorded in the past 24 hours.
He said a number of places have recorded 24-hour rainfall records for October.
"We're expecting rainfall rates to ramp up again later this afternoon and into this evening."
Mr Fox-Hughes says flooding is expected to continue for the next several days.
