The Department of Meteorology has issued an Amber advisory for severe lightning covering eight provinces and the districts of Mannar and Vavuniya.

The advisory was issued at 11.00 a.m. today (12) and will remain in effect until 1.00 a.m. tomorrow (13).

Severe lightning and thundershowers are expected in several areas, with temporary localised strong winds also possible. The public has been urged to take precautions to minimise lightning-related damage.