MALAPPURAM: The Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rains in the state within the next three hours. Rain alerts have been issued in three districts namely Ernakulam, Malappuram and Thrissur. Winds are likely to blow at a speed of 40 kilometre per hour.

Currently, heavy rains are going on in different parts of the Malappuram district. Numerous trees have fallen and traffic jams have been reported in many places. Trees have also fallen over houses.

The meteorological department had earlier warned of isolated rains in the state. The central and southern parts of Kerala are likely to receive more rainfall, informed the authorities. Yellow alert has been declared in the districts from Thiruvananthapuram to Idukki. With alerts issued in three more districts, the total number of districts with yellow alert has climbed to eight.