Heavy rains, thunderstorms predicted in Kerala; three districts warned

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thunderstorms with heavy rainfall has been predicted in the state today. Yellow alert has been sounded in three districts. Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Ernakulam are on yellow alert. A chance of isolated heavy rain has been predicted. Heavy rains mean rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours.

A whirlwind is located over the southwestern Bay of Bengal. In this situation, there is a possibility of light/moderate rain with thunder and lightning for the next five days, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Yellow alert has been announced in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki tomorrow. There is a possibility of rain with thunder and lightning at isolated places in Kerala till Monday. At the first sign of lightning, move to a safe building immediately. Staying in open areas increases the chance of being struck by lightning.

The IMD has informed that there will be no disruption to fishing in Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coasts today. Meantime, strong winds with gustiness of 35 to 45 kmph and occasional up to 55 kmph are likely over western parts of central-west Bay of Bengal, adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, south Andhra Pradesh coast adjoining north Tamil Nadu coast and central east Bay of Bengal.