Storm warning issued

PHUKET: The Thai Meteorological Department this morning issued a regional weather warning for Southern Thailand after tracking a tropical depression that has been causing unusually rainy conditions in the region over the past few days.

At 10 am this morning the depression was centered about 300 kilometers west of Chumphon. The system, with maximum wind gusts of about 55kmh, was moving west-northwest at about 10kmh.

The center is expected to move to near the west of northern Thailand tomorrow and Friday.

The warning did not list Phuket among the provinces in the south at risk of flashfloods and flooding. The provinces listed as at risk were: Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang and Satun.

The forecast until midnight is for almost widespread thundershowers and heavy rain, with a minimum temperature of 23°C and maximum of 31°C. Winds will be southwesterly at 20-35kmh.

All ships should proceed with caution through Friday as wave heights of two to three meters are likely in the Upper Andaman Sea.

Click here for satellite imagery and storm tracking data of the depression.