KUCHING: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning for several areas in Sarawak, with heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning expected until 9 am today.
The department, which issued the warning at 4.55 am this morning said, areas likely to be affected include Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Betong (Pusa and Betong), Sarikei (Pakan and Julau), Sibu (Kanowit and Selangau), Mukah (Mukah), Kapit (Song and Kapit), Bintulu, Miri, and Limbang.
Similar weather conditions are also expected in Kelantan (Pasir Puteh), Terengganu (Besut, Setiu, Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, Marang, Dungun, and Kemaman), Sabah (Sipitang, Tenom, Kuala Penyu, Beaufort, Nabawan, Keningau, and Papar), and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
MetMalaysia said the warning was issued due to signs of thunderstorm activity with rainfall exceeding 20 millimetres per hour, which is either imminent or expected to persist for over an hour.
“Thunderstorm warnings are short-term alerts that remain valid for no more than six hours from the time of issuance,” it added.
Meanwhile, no warnings of strong wind and rough seas were issued as of 5.20 am today.
