Phuket faces rough seas as heavy rain warning covers September 17–20

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rain and rough seas affecting Thailand, including Phuket and the Andaman Sea, from September 17–20.

The North and Northeast are expected to see heavy rain first on September 17, followed by parts of the Central region, East and South from September 18. Accumulated rainfall could trigger flash floods and forest runoff, particularly on foothill slopes near waterways and in low-lying areas.

The TMD forecasts fairly strong winds in the Andaman Sea, with waves of 2–3 metres and waves exceeding 3 metres during thunderstorms. Small boats in the Andaman Sea should remain ashore throughout the warning period. Mariners in both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand have been advised to proceed cautiously and avoid thunderstorms.

The department said a high-pressure system, or cool air mass, from China would extend over the upper North and upper Northeast and push the monsoon trough southwards across the lower Central region, East and upper South. The southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand is also expected to strengthen.

The TMD issued its first warning for the period on September 15 and an updated third warning at 5am on September 16. It advised people to plan travel and daily activities carefully, avoid routes that regularly flood and take particular care on low-lying roads where temporary waterlogging may occur.

The next TMD announcement was scheduled for 5pm on September 16. The department said further weather information would be available through its website or by calling 02-399-4012, 02-399-4013 or 1182.