Phuket issues heavy rain and rough seas warning
Phuket has been warned of widespread thunderstorms, rough seas and possible localised flooding, with waves forecast at up to three metres or more in stormy areas.
Phuket is facing heavy rain and rough sea conditions, with the Phuket Meteorological Centre forecasting mostly cloudy skies and widespread thunderstorms across the island.
Temperatures are expected to range from 25°C to 32°C. Southwesterly winds are forecast at 20-40km/h, while waves in the Andaman Sea are expected to reach two to three metres. In thunderstorm areas, waves are forecast to rise above three metres.
Authorities have advised small boats to exercise extreme caution and avoid sailing in stormy conditions.
Radar imagery released at 7:30am showed extensive rain bands covering much of Phuket and nearby provinces including Phang Nga, Krabi, Surat Thani and parts of Nakhon Sri Thammarat. Meteorologists said the rain system was moving eastward and was expected to gradually weaken as it crossed the region.
The Phuket Meteorological Centre reported that Muang Phuket District recorded 39mm of rainfall yesterday, bringing the island’s total rainfall for the year to 1,102.2mm.
Yesterday’s temperatures ranged from 24.1°C to 33.2°C, and the lowest temperature recorded this morning was 23.7°C.
Authorities are also advising motorists to drive carefully on wet roads and warning residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to stay alert for possible localised flooding during heavy rain.
Beachgoers and tourists have been urged to obey warning flags and follow lifeguards’ instructions, as strong winds and rough seas may create dangerous swimming conditions along Phuket’s west coast.
