Tropical Storm Graeme rattles Phuket

PHUKET: Amorn Chantanavivate, Director of the Southwestern Regional Meteorological Center, told the Gazette today that the heavy downpours in southern Thailand over the last four days were being caused by a southwesterly monsoon named Tropical Storm Graeme. TS Graeme was created when a low-pressure system from the South China Sea developed into a depression, causing heavy rains and strong winds to blow across the region. Packing 20-40 kph winds accompanied by relentless overnight rain, the powerful storm has caused flooding in Krabi, Phang-Nga and Ranong. K. Amorn warned all boat operators to be careful and urged owners of small craft to keep them in port until the weather improves, adding that he expects TS Graeme to hang around for another three days.