Yellow Alert to northern and central atolls

Severe weather conditions in the northern and central atolls has forced a Yellow Alert to the regions.

The alert issued by the MET Office today said that torrential rains and winds between 23-29 mph are expected in the northern and central atolls between 9:50 a.m. and 2 p.m. Winds are expected to pick up up to 55 mph during showers.

MET Office issues a Yellow Alert as a call to prepare for a possible worst-case scenario by the people in the region and the relevant authorities. And sea travel is not safe in the regions where a Yellow Alert has been issued.

Rain is expected across the country for the next 24 hours and seas are expected to be rough in the northern and central atolls. MET Office advise caution to travelers in the north and central atolls.

Weather for Today:

Torrential rain with thunder for some islands

Winds at 18 mph for the southern atoll

Winds at 15-25 mph at other areas, 45-55 mph during showers

In the past 24 hours, a number of islands sustained various degrees of damages in the rain affecting the country. And so while Haa Alifu Kelaa has flooded, water went into some houses. Pumps were used to drain and divert the water at the island.

Last night, Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo was hit by a strong gale which threw off the roof of eight houses and damaging 15 more. And while many other weather-related incidents are occurring across the country, many islands have had trees falling due to the strong winds.

The seas are also unusually rough during the current rains in the country and transportation authorities have advised caution during travel.