People living in Thailand’s nine southernmost provinces have been advised to brace for possible flash floods and river overflows, due to increased rainfall between tomorrow and Saturday, according to the National Water Resources Office.

An easterly wind in the Gulf of Thailand, compounded by a low pressure cell over the Malaysian coastline will result to more rain, including isolated heavy showers in Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.

Many mid- and small-sized reservoirs have been placed under close watch as they are now about 80% full and are likely to overflow and affect nearby residential areas if there is more rain.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department reported today that a moderate new cold front from China is now covering the entire north-eastern region and parts of the northern and central regions of Thailand. There are easterly winds blowing through the eastern, southern and southern central regions,with low a pressure cell blanketing the south.

This weather pattern will result in strong winds and rainstorms in northern, eastern and central provinces, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in southern Thailand, according to the weatherman.

Fishermen and sailors have been advised to avoid stormy areas in the Gulf, due to rough seas.