The Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) has issued a thunderstorm warning for several areas in Sarawak and Sabah, with heavy rain and strong winds expected until 5pm today.
In Sarawak, the affected areas include Simunjan in Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Meradong, Sibu, Selangau, Mukah, Song, Kapit, Belaga, Bintulu, Subis, Miri, Marudi and Limbang.
In Sabah, the warning covers Sipitang, Kuala Penyu, Beaufort, Papar, Putatan, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Kota Belud, Lahad Datu, Telupid, Kinabatangan, Beluran, Sandakan and Kudat, as well as the Federal Territory of Labuan.
METMalaysia said the warning is issued when there are indications of thunderstorms producing rainfall exceeding 20mm per hour that are imminent or expected to persist for more than an hour.
The agency noted that thunderstorm warnings are short-term alerts, valid for a period not exceeding six hours from the time of issuance.
