Weather in Kerala to change from Monday; alert issued to three districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that there is a possibility of isolated thunderstorms in the state today and tomorrow. Yellow alert has been issued in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha today and in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha tomorrow. Isolated heavy rain is predicted. Heavy rain is defined as a situation where 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain is received in 24 hours.

Alert issued
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 time they start seeing the cumulus clouds. Since lightning may not always be visible, do not refrain from taking such precautions.

At the first sign of a thunderstorm, move into a safe building as soon as possible. Remaining in open areas increases the risk of being struck by lightning.

Keep windows and doors closed during periods of strong winds and lightning. Stay away from doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try not to touch the walls or floor as much as possible.

Unplug household appliances. Avoid being near electrical appliances during a thunderstorm.

Avoid using the 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 your vehicle during a thunderstorm. Do not put your arms or legs out. You will be safer inside your vehicle. Avoid riding bicycles, bikes, tractors, etc. during thunderstorms and seek shelter in a safe building until the thunderstorm ends.

When you see a rainstorm, do not go to the terrace or yard to get clothes during a thunderstorm.

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 start seeing clouds, stop fishing and boating and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on the deck of a boat during a thunderstorm. Baiting and casting nets should be stopped during a thunderstorm.

Avoid flying kites.

It is dangerous to sit on a terrace or other high places or on tree branches during a thunderstorm.