Phuket warned of strong winds, heavy rain and rough seas from July 11
Phuket has been warned to expect heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas from July 11 to July 14, with small boats told to stay ashore and officials cautioning over possible flash floods and landslides.
Phuket is expected to face strong winds, heavy rain and hazardous sea conditions from tomorrow, July 11, through next Tuesday, July 14, as a strengthened southwest monsoon affects the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.
According to the Meteorological Department’s first warning notice, wave heights in the upper Andaman Sea are forecast at two to four metres, rising above four metres in areas affected by thunderstorms. In the lower Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand, waves are expected at two to three metres, exceeding three metres during thunderstorms.
The department advised all vessels in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand to proceed with caution and avoid storm areas. Small boats were urged to remain ashore until conditions improve.
Heavy rain is forecast to develop during the warning period, with the west coast of Southern Thailand, including Phuket and neighbouring provinces, expected to receive heavy rainfall. Officials warned that prolonged rain could trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in hillside communities, low-lying areas and places near waterways.
The department said Typhoon Bavi, currently in the Pacific Ocean, is not expected to enter Thailand or directly affect the country’s weather, but is expected to strengthen the southwest monsoon, contributing to rougher seas and increased rainfall.
Residents and visitors were urged to monitor weather forecasts and plan travel carefully.
Separately, Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum chaired a provincial meeting yesterday to review drought preparedness. Officials said Phuket’s three main reservoirs currently hold more than 22.13 million cubic metres of water, which they said was more than enough to maintain the province’s water supply, not including the rain expected to arrive. The governor also ordered a feasibility study into using Khlong Saneh Pho as an additional raw water source for future demand.
