By Jerry Choong
SHAH ALAM, April 18 — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has predicted strong winds, heavy rains and thunderstorms in several areas throughout Selangor until 8pm tonight.
In a statement issued at 4.20pm, it said the affected districts include Hulu Selangor, Hulu Langat and Sepang.
"Other states which will also experience strong weather include Penang, Melaka, Rompin in Pahang, Perak (Kerian, Larut, Matang Dan Selama, Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar and Muallim) Kedah (Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Padang Terap, Pendang, Kuala Muda, Sik, Baling, Kulim and Bandar Baharu) Negeri Sembilan (Seremban, Port Dickson and Rembau) and Johor (Tangkak, Segamat, Muar, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Mersing, Pontian, Kulai and Johor Bahru)
"In East Malaysia the affected areas of Sarawak include Kuching (Bau and Kuching), Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei (Pakan), Kapit (Kapit and Belaga), Bintulu (Tatau) and Limbang. In Sabah it includes Pedalaman (Sipitang) and Pantai Barat (Papar, Penampang, Tuaran and Kota Belud)" MetMalaysia said.
The agency issues warnings whenever signs indicate a thunderstorm with a rain intensity exceeding 20 mm that is close to or is expected to occur for more than an hour.
A thunderstorm warning is a short-term warning valid for a period not exceeding six hours for a single release.
