Low pressure system intensifies; yellow alert in five districts, thunderstorms likely

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of possible rainfall in all districts of Kerala due to the influence of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The system has formed near the Andhra-Odisha coast and is likely to intensify and move towards the coast.

Rainfall is expected to increase in many parts of the state from today for the next three days. A yellow alert has been issued for five districts- Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kannur, and Kasargod. For tomorrow, a yellow alert has been announced for six districts.

Meanwhile, the weather department has predicted moderate rain in isolated places in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad in the next three hours, along with strong winds reaching speeds of up to 40 kmph. Light rain is also likely in isolated areas of other districts.

Precautions

• Thunderstorms are dangerous. They cause great damage to human and animal lives, electrical and communication networks and household appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, the public should take the following precautions from the moment they first see the storm. Since lightning may not always be visible, do not refrain from taking such precautions.
• Immediately move into a safe building 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 being close to electrical appliances during a thunderstorm.
• Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. It is safe to use a mobile phone.
• If the weather is cloudy, avoid playing outdoors and on terraces, including with children.
• 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 safe 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.