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

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued a thunderstorm alert for multiple states in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, warning residents of potential torrential rain, lightning, and gusty winds until 2.00pm today. The alert, issued at 11.00am, primarily targets the northern part of the peninsula.

In Kedah, eight districts, including Kota Setar, Yan, Kuala Muda, Bandar Baharu, Kulim, Baling, Sik, are expected to experience stormy conditions. The advisory also covers the entirety of Penang, as well as northern Perak areas such as Selama, Kerian, and Larut Matang. Further south, Melaka Tengah, Jasin in Melaka, Tangkak, and Muar in Johor are forecast to face adverse weather.

In East Malaysia, Sarawak experiences the broadest geographic coverage under the current warning. Affected zones include Sebuyau in Samarahan division, Pantu, Lingga, and Sri Aman in Sri Aman division, Betong, Selangau in Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, and Tatau in Bintulu division, and Subis and Miri in Miri division.

The Meteorological Department issues thunderstorm warnings when satellite and radar indicators indicate rainfall intensity exceeding 20mm per hour that is either imminent or expected to last for over an hour. These short-term advisories remain valid for a maximum of six hours from the time of release. The public across the affected areas has been advised to take precautions against localised flash floods, sudden wind squalls, and falling branches or roadside trees during peak downpours.