In its 5am announcement today (Nov 20), the TMD said a high-pressure system from China has extended over the upper South, strengthening the northeast monsoon over the Gulf of Thailand, the Andaman Sea and southern provinces. Combined with a low-pressure trough, the system is expected to generate widespread heavy rain, with very heavy rainfall in some areas.
Waves in the Gulf of Thailand are forecast at two to three metres, and over three metres in thunderstorms. The upper Andaman Sea will see waves up to two metres near shore and two to three metres offshore.
The public is urged to avoid coastal risk areas, while small boats in the Gulf and offshore in the Andaman are advised to remain ashore throughout the warning period.
With heavy rains starting late yesterday, In Phuket Town officials reported the water level at Khlong Bang Yai at 1.84 metres at 8:58am today, measured at the Komaraphat Pumping Station. The canal reached its highest point late last night, rising to 3.2 metres above sea level between 10pm and 11pm.
Phuket City Municipality said water-pumping teams are on continuous duty and urged residents to monitor updates closely. Any flood-related emergencies in Talat Yai and Talat Nuea can be reported to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division at 076-211111 or the municipality hotline at 1132.
Patong Police conducted inspections in the Nanai Rd area and surrounding streets at 5:30pm yesterday (Nov 19). Officers reported that light rain had stopped early enough to allow water to drain quickly, leaving no flooding in the area, but not before Nanai Soi 8 yet again suffered minor flooding.
Patong Municipality yesterday announced emergency road-shoulder repairs in the Kuan Yang area of Patong–Kathu Road over Patong Hill, where a landslide earlier this month had caused damage. Work may cause delays, and motorists are urged to plan extra travel time.
Meanwhile in Karon, Karon Municipality has deployed teams to prepare sandbags and assist residents affected by localised flooding. At 1pm yesterday, Mayor Wallop Nadon assigned municipal officials and council members to support households in vulnerable areas. Emergency calls can be made to the Karon Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office at 076-330-913 or the 24-hour emergency line 199.
The TMD stressed that saturated soil and ongoing rain may trigger flash floods, forest runoff and mudslides, particularly near hillsides and waterways. Residents across the southern provinces are urged to follow official updates via the TMD website or its 24-hour hotlines at 1182 and 02-3994012-13.