Wet, stormy weather over much of the country today

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, North-Western, Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces, and in the Galle and Matara districts today, the Department of Meteorology said yesterday, adding that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning were likely to occur at several places in the Uva, Eastern, Northern, North-central, and Central provinces.

Fairly heavy showers (above 75 mm) may occur at some places in these areas.

There may be temporary localisd strong winds during the thundershowers.

The public has been requested to take adequate precautions to minimize possible damages caused by lightning.

The Department of Meteorology has asked the public to take following precautions:

• Seeking shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

• Avoiding open areas, such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies, during thunderstorms.

• Avoiding wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.

• Avoiding using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats, etc.

• Looking out for fallen trees and power lines.

The public has been asked to contact the local disaster management authorities in case of emergencies. (IN)