The Thai Meteorological Department is warning of flash floods in the south of the country, but says the fallout from tropical storm Nesat will be minimal.
Nesat strengthened to a typhoon in the South China Sea over the past few days and is expected to move through southern Hainan to the coast of upper Vietnam some time today and Thursday, with sustained winds of around 120 kilometres an hour. It will start to dissipate into a tropical storm after it crosses the Vietnamese coast and continues to weaken.
The TMD says the typhoon’s effect on Thailand will be barely noticeable, as a high-pressure system over the northern parts of Thailand will cause Nesat to further weaken.
Typhoon Nesat – TMD
“Meanwhile, the high-pressure system over upper Thailand and the South China Sea will force the storm to decline rapidly affecting the upper country with isolated light rain.”
In the south of the country, more torrential rain is forecast from today and until Friday, as a result of the monsoon trough and southwesterly wind over the Andaman Sea.
“Waves are expected to reach between 2 and 3 metres in the Andaman and 1 to 2 metres in the Gulf of Thailand, even higher during thunderstorms.” The TMD has also issued a warning for “inshore surges”.
“People should beware of severe conditions that may cause flash floods and overflows.”
“All ships are advised to proceed with caution, while small boats on the Andaman coast are being advised to remain ashore until Friday.”
SOURCE: Thai Meteorological Department