Warning issued for severe lightning in several areas

The Meteorology Department warns that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers, the Met. Department said.

Thus, the general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

The general public is further requested to avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms and to also avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors, boats etc. and to beware of fallen trees and power lines.

For emergency assistance, the public is requested to contact local disaster management authorities.

Meanwhile, the Meteorology Department also said that prevailing showery condition over the Eastern, Uva and Southern provinces is likely to continue in the next 24 hours ending at 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday (16).

Heavy rainfall above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Uva, province and in Matara, Hambantota, Ampara and Batticaloa districts, it added.