Don't forget to take umbrella when going out; Rains to lash today, yellow alert in four districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert in four districts in the state as heavy rain continues. The warning is in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. The possibility of isolated heavy rain has been predicted in the districts. The IMD defines heavy rain as a situation where 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain is received in 24 hours. Thunderstorms are expected.

A strong cyclonic circulation is likely to form in the North Andaman Sea tomorrow. Under its influence, a new low pressure is also likely to form over the North Bay of Bengal and the Central Bay of Bengal. Meantime, strong winds are likely in isolated places in Kerala today and tomorrow. The IMD has warned that strong winds with a speed of 30 to 40 kmph are likely.

The latest weather forecast from the IMD has said that there is a possibility of moderate rainfall at isolated places in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts in the next three hours, along with strong winds reaching speeds of up to 30 kmph and light rainfall at isolated places.

Alert issued

• Strong winds are the state-specific disaster that causes the most damage and loss of life in Kerala. There is a possibility of accidents due to uprooting of trees and breaking of branches in strong winds. During wind and rain, one should not stand under trees or park vehicles under any circumstances.
• Dangerous branches of trees in the house should be cut down. If dangerous trees are noticed in public places, inform the concerned local bodies.
• Unsecured billboards, electric posts, flagpoles, etc. can also fall in the wind, so they should be properly strengthened or dismantled when there is no wind or rain. Do not stand under or near them or park vehicles when there is wind or rain.
• Equipment and other objects that may fall in the wind, such as ladders leaning against walls or other objects, should be tied with ropes.
• Windows and doors should be closed as soon as the wind starts blowing. Do not stand near windows and doors. Avoid standing on the terrace of the house.
• Those living in thatched, sheet-covered or unsecured buildings should move to safer buildings as requested by the authorities during warning periods.