Phuket governor renews weather warning as heavy rain and rough seas loom
The warning follows an alert issued by the Meteorological Centre for the West Coast of Southern Thailand, which reported that a strengthening southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea would bring increased rainfall and…
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat on May 20 reissued a weather warning after forecasters said a strengthening southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea would bring heavier rain and rougher seas. The Southern-West Coast Meteorological Centre, based near Phuket International Airport, forecast an 80% chance of thunderstorms and heavy to very heavy rain in some areas from 6am today until 6am tomorrow, with Ranong, Phang Nga and Phuket among the provinces affected.
Southwest winds were forecast at 20-40 kilometres per hour. Waves were expected at 2-3 metres, rising above 3 metres in thunderstorm areas.
Rainfall totals and flood risk rise across the province
Meteorological officials said accumulated rainfall in Phuket for May had reached 242.3 millimetres, while the year-to-date total stood at 394.6mm. Rain recorded yesterday measured 27.8mm.
Officials warned the intensifying three-day weather pattern could trigger flash floods, forest runoff and flooding in low-lying areas. The advisory tied the risk to persistent heavy rain rather than isolated downpours.
Emergency teams on standby, sea and attraction warnings tightened
Provincial authorities said personnel, machinery and disaster prevention equipment had already been prepared for emergency response. Disaster prevention officers and related agencies were ordered onto 24-hour standby, with separate measures set for rough seas, floods, landslides and flash floods.
For marine conditions, warning systems have been installed and boat operators alerted, while people were advised not to enter the sea during strong waves and dangerous currents. In flood-prone zones, local authorities were told to speed up drainage, deploy water pumps before levels become critical and station officers in high-risk areas.
Authorities also said warnings would be issued for natural tourist attractions, and dangerous sites may be temporarily closed if conditions worsen. Residents needing help during severe weather were told to call the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation hotline at 1784 or Phuket disaster officials at 076-210089.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/governor-reissues-weather-warning-for-phuket-100304.php
