Thailand: Summer storms across the country April 5-9

Event

Summer storms with unusually strong winds, isolated heavy rain, and possible hail are forecast across the country from Thursday, April 5, through Monday, April 9. Storms are first expected between Thursday, April 5, and Friday, April 6, primarily affecting the country’s northeast, east, and central regions. Thailand’s Meteorological Department has issued weather warnings for the following provinces:

• Northeast: Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Roi Et, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani
• East: Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat
• Central: Nakhon Sawan, Lopburi, Saraburi, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Bangkok

From Saturday, April 7, through Monday, April 9, heavy rain and winds will continue in northern, central, and southern provinces. Storm warnings have been issued for the following provinces:

• North: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Lamphun, Lampang, Tak, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Kamphaengphet, Phichit, Phetchabun, and Prachuap Khiri Khan
• Central: Nakhon Sawan, Lopburi, Saraburi, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Bangkok, and Phetchaburi
• South: Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, and Trang.
  

Especially rough seas are forecast in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea from April 7 to 9 and officials have advised that all ships should proceed with caution. More generally, authorities have advised all those present in areas experiencing storm conditions to exercise caution, keep off unsecured buildings, and beware of flash floods.

Flooding may result in road closures throughout the country and heavy rains may delay or cancel flights in and out of airports in the affected regions, including: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), Phuket International Airport (HKT), Udon Thani International Airport (UTH), Surat Thani Airport (URT), and U-Tapao International Airport (UTP).

Context

Thailand has been experiencing regular strong storms since mid-February, resulting in significant property damage. In Ubon Ratchathani, at least 100 homes were reportedly destroyed due to violent gales earlier in March and at least one person was injured.

Advice

Individuals in Thailand are advised to monitor weather forecasts and to adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders). In the event of flooding, remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.