MET cautions, severe weather for 24-hour period

Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) on Tuesday forecasted severe weather would be experienced across Maldives for a 24-hour period, and advised caution.

According to local media Mihaaru, Assistant Meteorologist of MET Hussain Waheed announced that seas are expected to be rough during the upcoming 24-hour period due to westerly rain and advised caution while traveling by sea.

Hussain said that harsh weather would be experienced in India and Sri Lanka as well, with Sri Lanka having issued a 'Red Alert' for the upcoming 24-hour period.

Red Alerts are issued to warn the public when extreme weather possesses the potential to cause damage to properties, infrastructure, and endanger lives.

The Assistant Meteorologist revealed that the institution forecasts heavy showers between September 24- 25. He further claimed that thunderstorms are likely in certain Atolls, and advised necessary precautions to be taken in islands that experience frequent flooding.

MET predicted strongest surface winds would be experienced in Northern and Central Atolls, with windspeed expected to range between 15- 25 miles per hour, whereas Southern Atolls would experience windspeed ranging from 10- 20 miles per hour.

MET warned that windspeed may gust to 50 miles per hour during showers.

The meteorological institution issued a 'Yellow Alert' Tuesday to four Northern Atolls between 0900 hours in the morning til 1330 hours in the afternoon.

Late Tuesday, MET issued another 'Yellow Alert', warning of strong winds reaching on average 30- 40 miles per hour and gusts reaching 50 miles per hour during showers from Haa Alif Atoll to Thaa Atoll between 1730 hours to 2130 hours.

Maldives Meteorological Services predicted that the current extreme weather would clear by upcoming Friday.

Further, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) is currently advising caution to travellers by sea.