Wind gusts have exceeded 100km/h over exposed parts of the Apple Isle in the last 24 hours and there is more on the way. 

Maatsuyker Island, off the southern coast of Tasmania, often cops the brunt of the wind and this system has been no different. The tiny island recorded multiple gusts of more than 100km/h, peaking in the small hours of Saturday morning reaching a staggering 130km/h. For most locations, gusts of this strength would be a rarity. Not for Maatsuyker Island. The same feat was accomplished just four weeks ago.  

Triple digit wind gusts were recorded elsewhere around the state including: 

• 124km/h at Mt Read (highest wind gust in 10 months) 
• 113km/h at Cape Grim 
• 107km/h at Scotts Peak Dam 
• 102km/h at Cape Bruny 
• 100km/h at Tasman Island  

The airport at Flinders Island recorded a gust of 98km/h, just shy of the centur, but the strongest wind gust in close to two years. Sheffield and Yanakie (78km/h each) along with Scottsdale (74km/h) had their highest gust in seven to nine months. Winds have been building in Hobart, reaching 74km/h early on Saturday afternoon.  

These blustery winds have been caused by a very tight pressure gradient between a high over the Great Australian Bight and a deep low to the south of Tasmania. This vigorous airflow also contains embedded cold fronts, bring bursts of stronger winds. Along with these winds the system will also deliver widespread showers and low-level snow, potentially down to around 100m. 

Image: Wind gusts at 7pm AEST Saturday June 11th according to the ECMWF HRES model.

Strong, gusty and potentially damaging winds will continue on Saturday and much of Sunday, easing from the west later in the day. This easing trend will continue from Monday. Wind gusts are likely to exceed 100km/h over parts of Tasmania, most likely for elevated and exposed parts (where gusts could reach 120km/h) but are a chance throughout central and eastern parts. A Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds remains in effect.