Yellow alert for torrential rain from B. Atoll to A. Dh. Atoll

Maldives Meteorological Service has issued yellow alert for islands in central Maldives, warning of torrential rain and thunderstorms.

The yellow alert is in effect for islands from B. Atoll to A. Dh. Atoll, from 05:20 pm to 09:00 pm this Sunday.

Maldives Meteorological Service forecasts the region to be affected by torrential rain and thunderstorms with gusts of 50 miles per hour, and rough sea conditions.

Meanwhile, the service expects scattered rain with isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms across the country.

Winds are expected to vary between southeast/southerly at 06 – 16 miles per hour in southern atolls and southwest/westerly at 10 -20 miles per hour elsewhere. Winds are expected to gust to 50 miles per hour during showers.

Seas are expected to be slight becoming rough during showers in southern atolls and moderate becoming rough during showers elsewhere.

Wave surges are expected in southern atolls during high tides.

The service advises everyone, and especially seafarers, to be cautious.

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has also issued a statement advising seafarers to be cautious.

MNDF has advised boat captains do not to embark on journeys without checking the latest weather forecasts, and to ensure all safety equipment including lifejackets, communication systems, and water pumps are in working condition, and pay attention not to exceed the weight limit.

“Call Coastguard’s toll free number 191 to report incidents at sea without delay,” urged MNDF.