Alert issued to people going out; weather to change drastically in next five days 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that there is a possibility of rain in Kerala for the next five days. A low-pressure area is located over the southwest Bay of Bengal. It is likely to move in a northeasterly direction and gradually weaken in the next 24 hours.

A cyclonic circulation is located over the southeast Arabian Sea near the south Kerala coast. Therefore, the IMD has informed that light/moderate rain with thunder is possible in Kerala from today to February 27.

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 moment they start seeing the thundercloud. Since lightning may not always be visible, do not refrain from taking such 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 time they start seeing the thundercloud. Since lightning is not always visible, do not refrain from taking such precautions.

• Immediately move inside a safe building at 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. Avoid standing near doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try to avoid touching walls or floors 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.
  
• 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 your vehicle during a thunderstorm. Do not put your hands and feet outside. You will be safe inside the vehicle. Avoid riding bicycles, bikes, tractors, etc. during a thunderstorm 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 during a thunderstorm. As soon as you see the clouds, you should 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.