Red notice issued on severe lightning in 9 districts: Met Dept.

Red notice on thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning was issued for nine districts, the Department of Meteorology said today. 

They said thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely at several places in  Sabaragamuwa,  Southern, Central and  Uva provinces and in Kaluthara district.

Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm could be expected at some places in the above areas.

Accordingly, the nine districts are Kandy, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Kalutara, Monaragala, Ratnapura, Galle and Matara have been marked in red.

The general public are cautioned to take adequate preventive measures to safeguard themselves from damages due to lightning.

The Meteorology Department advised the people to seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. They also advised avoiding open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations, playgrounds and open water bodies during thunderstorms.

Also, avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms. Refrain from travelling in open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats. 

The people in those areas are warned to be watchful over falling trees and branches and also overhead power lines. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)