WILD weather has struck southern Tasmania and parts of the East Coast, with a mini tornado observed in stormy skies over Hobart.

Schools have been advised to keep students inside and some schools in the greater Hobart region have sent students home, The Mercury reports.

The Bureau of Meteorology is warning resident in New Norfolk, Hobart, Richmond, Ross, Orford and Swansea to move their cars under cover and avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.

Updating its forecast at 12.13pm, the weather bureau advised: "Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce destructive winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and tornadoes in the warning area over the next several hours."

Tornado action has eased but heavy hail and rain is forecast throughout the afternoon.

Residents in the affected areas are being told to seek shelter, preferably indoors, and to avoid sheltering under trees in heavy winds.

People should avoid using the phone during forecast thunderstorms.

Fallen trees and downed powerlines are a potential danger across the worst-hit areas.

The next forecast is due at 2pm.

Read more at The Mercury.