Warning of flash flooding in the North as Tropical Storm Vipa intensifies

People living in northern and northeastern Thailand have been advised to brace for heavy to very heavy rainfall and possible flash floods and river overflows from tomorrow until next Tuesday, due to the impacts of Tropical Storm Vipa.

The Meteorological Department reported today that the depression east of the Philippines has intensified into a tropical storm and is currently sweeping across the northern Philippines into the South China Sea.

This weather pattern will strengthen the southwestern monsoon, currently looming over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.

Somkuan Tonjan, director of the Weather Forecast Division, predicts that Vipa may weaken before reaching Thailand, but he warned that the weakening storm may still cause heavy to very heavy rain across the country, particularly in northern and northeastern provinces.

Rough seas are forecast in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, with waves of up to three metres, and higher in stormy areas, as sailors and fishermen are advised to exercise great caution and to avoid storms. Small vessels are advised to remain ashore.

As a precaution, Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had instructed the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to coordinate with provincial governors, especially in northern and northeastern provinces, and to advise people there to keep abreast of weather conditions and to move their valuables to higher ground.