• 10 districts including Kurunegala, Kandy, Gampaha, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Galle and Matara have been alerted over the weather conditions

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

A red alert on thunderstorms accompanied by severe lightning was issued for 10 districts, the Department of Meteorology said today.  

It said fairly heavy rainfall of more than 75 mm could be expected at some places in the Central, Sabaragamuwa and Western provinces and in the Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts.  

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers, it said.  

Fairly heavy rainfall of more than 75 mm could be expected at some places in the Central, Sabaragamuwa and Western provinces and in the Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts

Accordingly, 10 districts including Kurunegala, Kandy, Gampaha, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Galle and Matara have been alerted over the weather conditions.  

The general public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by lightning activity.  
The Meteorology Department advised people to seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. They also advised avoiding open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations, playgrounds and open water bodies during thunderstorms. Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms. People are requested to avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats and beware of fallen trees and power lines.