Winter chills arrive early
HOBART recorded its coldest March day in 15 years yesterday, with a maximum of only 12.5C.
As the city dipped to 5C yesterday morning, many areas woke to a dusting of autumn snow.
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Heavy rain, hail, lightning and thunderstorms were widespread across the state.
Snow fell at Lake St Clair, Liawenee, Tarraleah, Leslie Vale, on the West Coast and Central Plateau.
The chilly temperatures brought widespread snow to the ranges, with Mt Wellington recording snow down to 750 metres.
Hobart Bureau of Meteorology forecaster David James said yesterday's early spell of wintry weather came with a very strong cold front.
He said the cold outbreak rising from the Antarctic was slowly moving away.
"We will still have showers about the western and southern parts but conditions will be 2C or 3C warmer than today," Mr James said.
He said wind gusts reached up to 80-90km/h at exposed areas of the west and south coasts.
With heavy snowfall occurring between Queenstown and Derwent Bridge the Lyell Highway was open to four-wheel-drive vehicles only.
Aurora Energy said lightning strikes caused power cuts in some areas. |