Wild winds to lash northern Tasmania

A severe weather warning has been issued for northern parts of Tasmania with damaging winds expected to hit a large stretch of the state.

A cold front will bring winds gusts in excess of 100km/h on Friday night and into Saturday morning, the Bureau of Meteorology says.

North and east coast towns including Devonport, Burnie, Smithton, Scottsdale, Whitemark and St Helens, as well as King Island and Fumeaux Islands, are expected to be hit.