SYDNEY, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Snow hit the highlands of Tasmania during the summer weekend, with adverse weather alerts and power outages for many residents in the southern Australian island state, local media reported.
Meteorological authorities reported receiving up to 40 cm of snowfall in the state's central highlands, just days after the mercury rose to record levels amid the onset of summer in the southern hemisphere. Power cuts hit more than 2,500 homes by Sunday afternoon, reported The Mercury newspaper.
Tasmanian police also warned motorists to stay alert on the road after more than 30 mm of rain fell in the state's southern and eastern areas, even as many parts of the island looked to the peak summer travel period with tourists drawn to its pristine scenery and fresh produce.
The weather forecast for the start of the week was "mostly fine statewide."
