Heavy rains predicted in state today, high alert issued to four districts 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that there is a possibility of widespread rain in the state today. There is a possibility of rain with thunder and lightning from today to November 22. Fishing has been banned on the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts. A low-pressure area is present over the Kanyakumari Sea. Winds may gust up to 55 kmph along the Kerala coast.

A new low-pressure area is likely to form over the south-west Bay of Bengal by Saturday. It is also likely to intensify further in the next 48 hours. There is a yellow alert in four districts on Saturday. The IMD has issued a yellow alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki.

Isolated heavy rain is predicted. The IMD defines heavy rain that fall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm in 24 hours. Rain with thunder and lightning is expected.

Alert issued
Thunderstorms are dangerous. They cause great damage to human and animal life, electrical and communication networks, and household appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, the public should take the following precautions from the moment they begin to see the thundercloud. Since lightning may not always be visible, do not refrain from taking such precautions.

• Move to a safe building immediately after seeing the first sign of lightning. Remaining in open areas increases the risk of being struck by lightning.

• Keep windows and doors closed during periods of strong winds and lightning. Do not stand near doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try to avoid touching the walls or floor as much as possible.

• Disconnect household appliances from the power supply. Avoid proximity to electrical appliances during a thunderstorm.

• Avoid using telephone during a thunderstorm. It is safe to use a mobile phone.

• Avoid playing outdoors and on terraces, including with children, if the weather is cloudy.

• Do not stand under trees during a thunderstorm. Do not park vehicles under trees.

• Stay inside the vehicle during a thunderstorm. Do not put your arms and legs out. You will be safer inside the vehicle. Avoid traveling in vehicles such as bicycles, bikes, and tractors during a thunderstorm and seek shelter in a safe building until the thunderstorm ends.

• Do not go to the terrace or yard to get clothes when you see a rainstorm.

• Tie down objects that may fall in the wind.

• Avoid bathing during a thunderstorm. Avoid collecting water from taps. Electricity caused by lightning can travel through pipes.

• Do not go fishing or bathing in water bodies during a thunderstorm. As soon as you see the clouds, stop fishing, boating, etc., and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on the deck of the boat during a thunderstorm. Stop fishing and casting nets during a thunderstorm.

• Avoid flying kites.