Fourteen provinces in the Northeast and the East have been told to prepare for heavy rain and other provinces in four regions are also expected to be hit today when Storm Conson makes landfall in Vietnam.
The Meteorological Department said yesterday the storm was moving west across the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall over Da Nang in Vietnam. As it moves inland over Cambodia and Thailand, the storm is expected to be downgraded to a tropical depression and then an active low-pressure cell.
The monsoon trough lies across the lower North, upper Central and Northeast of Thailand, with isolated heavy to very heavy rain likely, the department said yesterday.
Areas expected to be affected by heavy downpours today are 11 provinces in the Northeast (Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Kalasin, Amnat Charoen, Yasothon, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani), and three in the East (Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat).
Tomorrow, areas to be hit include seven provinces in the North (Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Tak and Phetchabun); 15 in the Northeast (Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Yasothon, Roi Et, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani); eight provinces in the Central Plains (Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Lop Buri, Saraburi and Kanchanaburi) and six in the East (Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat).
The department also said a strong southwest monsoon was prevailing over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Strong winds are forecast, with waves likely to be 2-3 metres high in the Andaman Sea and about 2 metres high in the upper Gulf. All vessels should proceed with caution, while small boats should stay ashore until Tuesday.
Yesterday, Prapit Chanma, director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department, said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered agencies to issue regular updates on the weather and flood situation so people can prepare for the deluge.
Authorities in charge of all irrigation projects were also told to keep a close watch on the flood situation following the weather bureau's alert for Storm Conson. Some areas are also at risk of landslides and forest run-offs.