The natural hazards early warning center has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning  at 12.30 p.m. 19 November 2023 for the period until 11.30 p.m. 19 November 2023.

Thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in the Western, Eastern, Northern, North-central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and North-western provinces and in Kandy and Matale districts.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
• Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities