The Meteorology Department has issued a red alert for heavy rain and lightning at 1 pm today ( 4). Accordingly, the department notes that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places, particularly in Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Kaluthara and Kurunegala districts in the evening or night. The Met department added that temporarily strong gusty winds up to 70-80 kmph were possible during thundershowers. The Met department has advised the public to:  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.