A weather alert has gone out across the island. The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at the Department of Meteorology issued an Amber-level advisory covering 18 districts. The warning remains active until 1.00 a.m. tomorrow (06).
Officials stated that thundershowers packed with severe lightning are likely in several places after 1.00 p.m. today. The warning covers Colombo, Gampaha, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matara, Hambantota, Puttalam, Ratnapura, Anuradhapura, Badulla, Mannar, Matale, Monaragala, Nuwara Eliya and Vavuniya.
Serious Risks Outdoors
The Met. Department warned that severe lightning presents a big danger to anyone outdoors, raising the risk of injury or death. In addition, people could see damage to electrical and electronic items, power cuts, communication breakdowns, and travel disruptions.
Some areas may also face strong winds and heavy rain alongside the thundershowers, which could trigger localized damage to infrastructure.
Safety Advice To Follow
The public must stop open-air sports, construction, farming, and recreation once thunderstorms head their way. The Met. Department advised people to quickly move inside sturdy buildings or enclosed hard-topped vehicles.
Everyone is warned to stay away from beaches, swimming spots, lakes, rivers, and other water bodies. Do not hide under isolated trees, tents, open sheds, or partly open structures, and steer clear of wired electrical systems and home appliances during thunderstorms.
