Severe weather warning for Tasmania

Parts of northern and central Tasmania are subject to a severe storm warning with forecast winds of up to 130km/h, heavy rain and snow.

Meteorology company UBIMET on Tuesday issued its highest category of warning for the island state, with rough conditions expected to stretch into Wednesday.

The weather is the result of an east-moving cold front, combined with a deep low pressure system, meteorologist James Wilby said.

"Some areas could receive up to 80mm of rain over a 24 hour period," Mr Wilby said.

"Following the passage of the front, colder air will spread across the state with heavy, possibly thundery showers, with some falling as snow over the highest peaks."

Wind strengths should ease by Wednesday afternoon but unsettled weather is expected across Tasmania until Saturday.