Met Office issues a rare Orange Weather Alert

Maldives Meteorological Services has issued an orange weather alert for the first time in recent times as the country experiences a spell of bad weather.

The alert was issued from B. Atoll to F. Atoll from 17:00 to 19:00.

The Orange Alert is for “severe weather” and is the third category of alert. It is only issued in situations of heavy thunderstorms, powerful winds, and flooding.

This is the first time in recent years that an Orange Alert has been issued for the Maldives.

The islands of the abovementioned atolls could experience winds as strong as 34-40 miles with seas expected to be moderately rough.

Much of the country could see heavy rainfall today, warned the Met Office.

The office has also issued a yellow alert to the Sh. And M. Atoll that will expire at 19:00.

Northern atolls could see moderately rough seas with some islands experiencing sea swells. Many islands have reported incidents of damage from the heavy weather experienced during these days.

For the southern region of the country, a white alert was issued by authorities that will expire at 18:30 tonight. Wind speeds for the regions from G.A to Addu City could range from 19-24 miles per hour which could increase to 45 miles per hour during gusts.

The country is currently experiencing the North-Western Monsoon or the rainy season.