Heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast for parts of Sarawak and Sabah

KUCHING (Feb 3): Residents across parts of Sarawak and Sabah are advised to brace for thunderstorms and heavy rain today.

In a warning issued at 8.45am, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) forecasted these conditions for the Southern Sarawak divisions of Kuching, Serian and Samarahan.

The same alert applies to Central Sarawak, specifically Sibu (Sibu and Selangau) and Mukah (Daro, Matu, Dalat and Mukah).

Additionally, MetMalaysia has extended the warning to Sabah, affecting the West Coast (Ranau and Kota Belud), Sandakan (Telupid, Beluran, and Sandakan), and Kudat.

These conditions are expected to last until 12pm.

“This warning is issued when there are signs indicating thunderstorms with rainfall intensity exceeding 20 millimetres per hour that are imminent or expected to occur for more than an hour.

“A thunderstorm warning is a short-term warning that is valid for a period not exceeding six hours for each issuance,” MetMalaysia said.