Tropical storm set to lash nation

The weatherman warns that a strong tropical storm with high winds and rain will hit Bangkok on Thursday and stay until Saturday. (File photo)

A powerful tropical storm will hit most regions of Thailand Thursday, triggering downpours and damage in flood-prone areas until this Saturday, the Meteorological Department warns.

Bangkok and neighbouring provinces will bear the brunt for at least two days -- Friday and Saturday -- before southern provinces are next in turn to be soaked around early next week, the department said. Besides widespread rainfall, which will be heavy in some areas, fierce winds, hail storms and lightning strikes are likely.

Meanwhile, strong winds have already slammed five provinces, causing damage to 150 houses in 21 villages, Chayapol Thitisak, chief of Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said Wednesday. Affected villagers live in the northern provinces of Phayao, Lampang and Phrae where more than half of the damage was reported, he said.

Other provinces are Chachoengsao in the East and Chai Nat in the upper Central Plains where houses will also be in need of repair.

Usually strong winds strip homes of their roofs but, in some cases, houses with relatively weak structures will suffer more severe damage.

The freak weather results from a high pressure system, which brings cold air, and has reached the middle part of China. The storm will also be intensified by "westerly winds" over northern Thailand.

Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun will be among the first provinces to bear the impact Thursday, the department said. Many parts of the Northeast, the East and some provinces in the Central Plains will be hit almost simultaneously.

Many more provinces in these regions will be whipped by the tropical storm Friday and Saturday.

The Meteorological Department warned Bangkokians and villagers in other provinces to expect rain. "Torrential rain and continual rainfall can bring flash floods and mountain torrents," it said.

The department also expected more rain in the South early next week due mainly to the influence of stronger "easterly winds."

Mr Chayapol also warned people not to use mobile phones outdoors during the volatile weather as the devices could transmit electrical charges during storms, putting people at risk.