Wicked Weather: Storms Batter Bangkok

[george]

WICKED WEATHER: Storms batter Bangkok

No injuries reported as whirlwinds, thunderstorm leave trail of destruction

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok weathered two whirlwinds and a cloudburst yesterday, with storms battering at least 75 houses, tearing down eight billboards, and felling numerous trees.

The Meteorological Department reported two whirlwinds yesterday – one out at sea, the other over land. A waterspout churned the sea off of Bang Khunthien district around 5am. Reaching between 40 to 50 metres in diameter and more than a kilometer in height, it travelled at between 40 and 50 kilometers an hour.

Three hours later, a vortex half its size made landfall in Don Muang district, ripping through Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road and Nong Chok district.

Meteorological officers warned people via traffic radio stations, and there were no reports of injuries. The two whirlwinds lasted for about 30 minutes each.

Barely had the rumpus subsided when a thunderstorm hit Lat Phrao, Khlong Sam Wa, Khan Na Yow, Min Buri, Bang Khen, Lat Krabang and Nong Chok districts between 5pm and 7pm.

According to the Meteorological Department’s director, Suparuek Tunsrirattanawong, waterspouts are like tornadoes but travel more slowly. They are created over water when hot low-pressure air from below collides with rain clouds, he said.

In Thailand, waterspouts are rare, happening only once or twice every few years. This year, however, there have already been three reports of them, with the first waterspout hitting Chanthaburi in April.

Chalermchai Ekkantrong, the meteorological department’s director-general, explained that waterspouts could not be forecasted. Although they are less powerful than tornadoes, whenever the phenomenon occurs, people are advised to stay well clear of it and seek shelter. A waterspout can muster the destructiveness of a typhoon.

Chalermchai added that heavy thunderstorms are expected every evening for the rest of July. He said people should avoid staying near or under large trees, unstable buildings, and billboards.

Bangkok Deputy Governor Samart Ratchapolsitte said yesterday’s rainstorm had damaged 75 houses in Khan Na Yow district, mostly battering roofs and shattering windowpanes.

Eight billboards and several large trees were also torn down, many of them falling on roads and obstructing traffic. A school in Lat Phrao had to close for the day after the thunderstorm damaged the building, he added.

Samart said a recent survey by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration had found that 138 billboards in the capital posed hazards to pedestrians and motorists. The BMA has requested all 50 district chiefs to either better secure loose billboards or remove them.

--The Nation 2005-07-21

[stumonster]

here in pak kret area there was a bit of intense rain for about 15 minutes at 1430 accompanied by a stiff breeze.

when do they intend to get the weather radars available on the internet - somthing similar to the australians bureau of meteorology site would be excellent.

http://mirror.bom.gov.au/weather/radar/