Thunderstorms, wind and rain prompt Phuket weather alert

PHUKET: The Thai Meteorological Department (MET) today issued a thundershower and flash flood alert for Phuket effective through Wednesday.

Other provinces named in the warning as potential disaster areas were Ranong, Phang Nga, Chanthaburi and Trat.

Prevailing southwest monsoon winds, expected to reach up to 40kph, will cause wave heights of up to three meters along Southern Thailand’s west coast with similar conditions in the Gulf of Thailand.

With thundershowers expected to cover 70% of the area in Phuket’s seven-day forecast, the threat of flash floods should be taken seriously, said the warning.

People needing to travel by boat or living near water in the alert areas should exercise caution, the report added.

The MET singled out owners of small boats to keep their vessels ashore until Thursday.

Travelers heading to the Philippines this week were advised to check weather reports for the threat of tropical storms, the warning advised.