Severe lightning expected today

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Meteorology Department issued an advisory warning of thunder showers accompanied with severe lightning are likely  today.

According to them, thunder showers are expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, North-central,Southern, Uva provinces, and Ampara, Batticaloa districts after 1.00 pm.

The Department also warned that there might be temporary localized strong winds during thunder showers. They called the general public to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

The Department of Meteorology advised the people should seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees, Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms, Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms, Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats. They also advised the people to be aware of fallen trees and power lines.