The natural hazards early warning center of the Department of Meteorology today issued a warning on Severe Lightning said that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places inWestern, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central,Uva and North Western provinces and in Mannar and Polonnaruwa districts in the evening or night. It also said that temporarily strong gusty winds up to 70-80 kmph are also possible during thundershowers.
Therefore the Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.