Thailand, Laos, Vietnam: Adverse weather forecast across most of Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam through at least March 8 /update 1

Event

Adverse weather is forecast across most of Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam through at least March 8. As of March 7, the Thai Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning stating that thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail are forecast in North, Northeast, Central, East, and Upper South regions, including Bangkok and its vicinity, through at least March 8. Red (higher level on a two-tier scale) heavy rainfall warnings are in place for most of the affected area. Officials have advised residents to avoid going outdoors. Strong winds could fell trees and power lines as well as cause damage to unsecured infrastructure. Flooding and landslides are possible in areas where thunderstorms produce intense rainfall.

The Laos Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has warned of moderate thunderstorms with moderate to strong winds and hail nationwide, especially in the northern and central provinces.

The Vietnam National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has warned of rain and thunderstorms across Central Vietnam through March 8. Tornadoes, lightning, and hail are possible during thunderstorms. Low temperatures of 14-17 C (57-63 F) are forecast over North Vietnam and the North Central Coast Region through March 8, with lower temperatures of 11-13 C (52-55 F) at higher elevations. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Thunderstorms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity. In areas where sustained rainfall occurs, flash and areal flooding are possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Transport
The severe weather could contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.

Advice

Seek updated information on weather and related disruptions, including road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Charge battery-powered devices if prolonged electricity outages occur.

Resources

Thai Meteorological Department
Laos Department of Meteorology and Hydrology Facebook (Lao)
Vietnam National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (Vietnamese)