The Department of Meteorology’s Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre issued an amber advisory for severe lightning on Wednesday, valid until 11.30 p.m., covering the Uva and Eastern provinces and the Mullaittivu, Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts.
Thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely in the affected areas, Newswire reported, with temporary localised strong winds also expected during storms.
Safety guidance
The department advised the public to seek shelter indoors rather than standing under trees, and to stay away from open areas including paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies.
It also urged people to avoid using wired telephones and electrical appliances connected to the mains during thunderstorms, to keep off open vehicles such as bicycles, tractors and boats, and to watch for fallen trees and power lines.
Heavier rain expected Thursday
In a separate forecast issued the same day, the department said showers or thundershowers are expected across most of the island after 1.00 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, as atmospheric conditions turn favourable for afternoon thundershowers.
Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75mm is likely at some places in the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, Eastern and North Central provinces, the Daily Mirror reported. The department repeated its advice to take precautions against temporary localised strong winds and lightning.
Misty conditions are also expected in parts of the Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces during the early hours of the morning.
Uva and the Eastern province appear in both bulletins, placing them under a lightning advisory on Wednesday night and in the heavy-rainfall band on Thursday afternoon.
