© ABC / Linda HuntAurora crews fix powerlines after a tree brings them down at Boyer in southern Tasmania.
Gusts of up to 100 kilometres an hour have brought down powerlines, sparking several fires.
The Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) is attending several fires, while Tasmania Police has issued hazard and road closure alerts.
The wild winds threatened to collapse a wall at Elwick Racecourse, facing Goodwood Road, just after 1pm.
Airlines Virgin and Qantas have diverted flights back to Melbourne, with one plane aborting a landing in Hobart.
About 9,300 households are without power in the Derwent and Huon Valleys and the Channel areas.
Aurora Energy spokesperson Laurie Clarke says residents in Westerway, Magra, Pelverata, Kaoota, Glen Huon, Snug, Woodbridge, Oyster Cove and Nicholls Rivulet are affected.
Ms Clarke has told the Tasmanian Country Hour that crews working to restore power are being hampered by the strong winds.
"Of course their safety is our number one priority," she says.
"They are working hard to restore power as quickly as they can."
SES calls
The State Emergency Service (SES) says fallen power lines and debris caused by fallen trees are damaging buildings.
SES volunteers are attending requests for assistance from Richmond, the Huon Valley and Channel areas and greater Hobart.
Members of the public are advised to:
- Secure all loose items outside including garden furniture,etc
- Make sure your pets are well secured
- Check your house and trees for damage
- If driving or walking beware of fallen power lines
- Unless your trip is urgent, consider staying inside while the high winds continue
- Listen to the radio or check the Bureau of Meteorology for weather updates
Severe wind warning
A severe weather warning sparked a warning of increased fire danger across Tasmania.
The TFS has issued a warning that the Flinders Group, North East, East Coast and Southern areas will be affected for short periods throughout the day.
The TFS says strong winds, dry air and warmer conditions will see danger ratings range from High to Very High in these areas.
Property owners are urged to refrain from lighting fires during the adverse conditions, as some areas remain dry after recent rainfalls.
Wind warning
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds in the Furneaux Islands, North East, Western, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.
Winds around 60 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h are forecast.
The Bureau says in the 2 hours to 5:30am, gusts of 128 km/h were recorded at Hartz Mountains, 120km/h at Scotts Peak and 111km/h on Mt Wellington.
Bushfire season preparation
The TFS is advising land owners that now is the ideal time to reduce bushfire fuel on their properties, despite recent rain.
TFS Chief Officer Mike Brown says home which are prepared are more likely to survive bushfires.
"A defendable space makes it much easier to defend your home," he says.
"If you choose not to stay, a defendable space will help firefighters protect your home, or may even protect your home if firefighters cannot reach it."
However with the current fire danger warning, owners are advised not to light fires.
Land owners planning to conduct burns should check their council's environmental policies and register their intention with the TFS on 1800 000 699.
I just saw a piece about how they are teaching about workplace psychopathy down there. And now they get this. I hope it's just a coincidence.