An Amber advisory for severe lightning has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for the North Central, North Western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Southern provinces, as well as the Ampara, Batticaloa and Mannar districts.
The advisory, issued at 10.00 a.m. today (14), will remain in effect until 11.30 p.m. today.
According to the Department of Meteorology, thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in the affected provinces and districts.
Temporary, localised strong winds may also occur during thundershowers, the Department warned.
The general public has been urged to take adequate precautions to minimise the risk of damage and injury caused by lightning activity.
The Department of Meteorology advises the public to:
- Seek shelter, preferably indoors, and never take shelter under trees.
- Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
- Avoid using wired telephones and electrical appliances connected to power sources during thunderstorms.
- Avoid using open vehicles such as bicycles, tractors and boats.
- Be cautious of fallen trees and power lines.
- In an emergency, contact the relevant local disaster management authorities.
