Met. Dept. warns of "severe lightning" in four provinces

The Meteorological Department has warned the public of “severe lightning” and thundershowers in four provinces and five districts in the evening or night.

Among these areas are the Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and the Galle, Matara, Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts.

These areas could also experience winds between 70 – 80 kmph.

Rainfall upto 100 mm (four inches) too can be expected in the Sabaragamuwa, Western and North - Western provinces and the Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.  

Accordingly, the Meteorological Department has advised the public to take the following precautions during this time period;

• 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 etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.