Due to a strong southwest monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea and the west coast, more heavy rain and rough seas are expected in Southern Thailand from today through to at least Thursday (Sept 16-19, Mr Wirote noted in the advisory.
“The Southern Meteorological Center warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the provinces of Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun,” Mr Wirote noted.
“Residents in these areas are advised to be cautious of potential flash floods and severe weather conditions,” he added.
A weather forecast by the Southern Meteorological Center (West Coast), also called ‘PhuketMet’, marked that today alone rainfall is expected across 80% of the island, with gusts of wind ranging from 20-40km/h.
Phuket has already recorded 267mm of rainfall this month, and 1,643 this year, PhuketMet noted.
In addition to the rainfall, strong wind waves in the Andaman Sea are expected to reach two to three metres, with waves exceeding three meters in areas affected by thunderstorms.
All vessels are advised to exercise caution, avoid sailing in stormy areas, and smaller boats (less than seven metres long) should remain ashore until conditions improve.
Residents were encouraged to stay informed and prepared for severe weather.
Meanwhile, the national head office of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned that the heavy weather will intensify through to Friday and Saturday.
Citing weather predictions from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), from Wednesday through Saturday (Sept 18-22) a monsoon trough will move down to cover the lower Central region, the East, and the upper South.
“On the monsoon side, especially the Andaman coast of the South, we must be especially careful,” the TMD warned.