Several houses were damaged and trees and power poles felled by strong winds and hailstorms which struck Mae Rim and Samoeng districts of Chiang Mai yesterday (Saturday).

Widespread blackouts were reported, including in Mon Jam, a popular mountainous retreat in Mae Rim district, where many residents were forced to evacuate temporarily to stay with relatives elsewhere in the province.

Prasert Suksakulpanya, a villager of Ban Nong Hoi Mai in Mae Raem sub-district, told the media that, in his 60 years, he had never encountered such a strong summer storm before.

Numerous houses and shops sustained heavy damage from hailstones, which are as big as golf balls.

The Meteorological Department today advised people in most north-eastern provinces to brace for thunder storms and strong winds.

Provinces forecast to see summer storms tomorrow include Nan, Uttaradit, Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakhon Nakhon, Chaiyaphum, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.

For Tuesday and Wednesday, most provinces in the north, north-east, east and the central region, including Bangkok, are forecast to see summer storms.