Kedah, Penang, Perak, Melaka, Johor and Sarawak put on thunderstorm alert

Kuala Lumpur, October 24 - The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a midday thunderstorm advisory for several states in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak due to expected torrential rain, lightning, and gusty winds until 2:00 PM today. The alert was issued at 11:00 AM, with a focus on the northern part of the peninsula.

Kedah and Penang are under the advisory, affecting eight districts in Kedah and major areas in Penang. Northern Perak's Selama, Kerian, and Larut Matang regions are also included. In Melaka, Melaka Tengah and Jasin, and in Johor, Tangkak and Muar are affected. In Sarawak, affected areas include Sebuyau, Pantu, Lingga, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu's Selangau, Mukah, Bintulu, and Tatau, and Miri's Subis and Miri.

MetMalaysia issues these advisories when satellite and radar data show rainfall intensity surpassing 20mm per hour, either imminent or expected to last more than an hour. The advisory remains valid for six hours from its release. The public in the impacted regions are advised to stay cautious against potential flash floods, sudden wind gusts, and falling branches or trees during heavy rainfall.