Australia: Authorities issue evacuation orders near Derwent River amid severe weather currently impacting Tasmania Sept. 1

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for areas north of the Derwent River in Tasmania Sept. 1 as major flooding is expected in the coming hours. Areas under evacuation include Meadowbank to Macquarie Plains and the Styx River from Bushy Park to Macquarie Plains. Local authorities have indicated floodwaters are likely to impact several areas, including Glenora, Bushy Park, Gretna, and Macquarie Plains. Two evacuation centers have been set up at the Derwent Valley Sports and Recreation Centre and the Memorial Hall in New Norfolk. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a major flood warning for the Derwent River and multiple other severe weather warnings for Tasmania, which can be viewed here. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours and days.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render further bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and employees' inability to reach work sites. Electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.