Strengthening winds are fanning two out of control bushfires in Tasmania's northwest as people take shelter on the beach.
The Tasmania Fire Service says there are no reports of property loss or injury as firefighters work to protect homes in Arthur River, Nelson Bay and Temma, where emergency alerts are in place.
On Wednesday morning people were being urged to evacuate as the "high risk" fire and ember attacks began to threaten communities.
About 150 residents are taking refuge on the beach with road blocks stopping travel to evacuation centres.
Stronger winds of 40-60km/h are helping fuel the fires and a TFS spokeswoman said storm cells expected to hit the state towards the afternoon are unlikely to bring much rain to the fire zone.
Dry lightning strikes some two weeks ago sparked more than 70 fires across Tasmania and authorities have since turned to interstate and New Zealand agencies for help.
A new evacuation centre has opened in Smithton at the Circular Head Community and Recreation Centre on the state's northwest tip.
ROAD CLOSURES IN NORTHWEST TASMANIA
* Dip Road, Mawbanna
* Sandy Cape Track
* Rebecca Road
* Blackwater Road
* Norfolk Road
* Mawbanna Road
* Newhaven Road
* Lemonthyme Road
* Peegra Road.
