In its forecast issued this morning (May 24), winds off the coast are to average 22-24km/h, with gusts rising to 45km/h on Friday before easing on Sunday (May 30).
The notice issued today repeated the centre’s warning yesterday, noting that an active low pressure cell in the east of the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify, and is moving northward to the west to the north of the Bay of Bengal.
“In addition, the strong southwest monsoon prevails over the South, the west coast and the Andaman Sea. This causes more rain and heavy to very heavy rain in the southwest in some areas of Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun,” the warning noted.
As such, waves in the Andaman Sea are stronger, rising to two to three metres high, and even higher during thunderstorms, the notice warned.
“Avoid sailing in thunderstorm areas. Small boats should refrain from leaving shore,” the advisory said.
People were asked to follow announcements from the Meteorological Department closely.
The weather warning followed winds across Phuket reaching in excess of 40km/h with rain lashing many parts of the island on Saturday (May 22). The weather monitoring station near Phuket airport recorded more than 28mm of rainfall during the storm.
The Phuket Marine Office yesterday issued its own weather warning of heavy to very heavy rain in some areas of Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun.
Nachaphong Pranit, Acting Director of the Phuket Marine Office, also warned of strong waves rising above three metres during thunderstorms and called for all small boats to stay ashore.
All boat operators were asked to be “careful in their navigation”.
“Small boats should not leave the shore from May 23 and check the ship’s readiness,” Mr Nachaphong ordered.
All boat operators were ordered to ensure that all life-saving emergency equipment was available and ready for use.