Rain predicted, six districts on yellow alert, warning issued

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert in six districts of the state on Wednesday. There is a special warning in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode and Wayanad. There is a possibility of rain with thunder and lightning after noon and at night from today onwards. Thunder and lightning are most likely in the hilly areas.

IMD experts have found that the instability of the wind in the atmosphere is causing the thunderstorms due to the generally weak monsoon. A yellow alert has been issued in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad and Malappuram tomorrow, Palakkad, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur on Friday and Palakkad and Malappuram on Saturday.
Meantime, the IMD has informed that there is a possibility of light rain at isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha in the next three hours.

Thunderstorm warning

• 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.
• 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 proximity 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.