Heavy rain, strong winds and hail hit Bangkok
Heavy rain, strong winds and hail struck several parts of Bangkok on Thursday afternoon, with poor visibility and slippery roads reported as rain bands moved across the capital.
- Hail was reported in Ratchadaphisek, Lat Phrao and Chok Chai 4 during heavy afternoon rain.
- Strong winds and poor visibility affected roads including Phahonyothin Road.
- Rain bands spread across Bangkok, with 91.5mm of accumulated rainfall recorded in Taling Chan.
Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and hail hit several parts of Bangkok on Thursday afternoon, with hail reported in areas including Ratchadaphisek, Lat Phrao and Chok Chai 4 as residents faced deteriorating weather conditions.
The heavy rain was reported at around 4pm, with reporters identifying Lat Phrao, Chatuchak, Lak Si, Ratchadaphisek and Mo Chit among the affected areas.
Thai PBS reported that small, round hailstones fell in areas including Ratchadaphisek and Lat Phrao as heavy rain affected the capital.
Large amounts of hail were also reported in some locations, alarming residents.
Strong winds and poor visibility reported
At around 4.32pm, heavy rain was reported along Phahonyothin Road in the Bang Khen, Chatuchak and Lak Si areas, accompanied by strong wind gusts, according to Thai PBS.
Traffic remained relatively light at the time, but drivers were advised to exercise caution because visibility was poor and the rain coincided with the evening rush hour, when large numbers of people were travelling home.
The Nation Thailand also warned road users about poor visibility and slippery roads.
Residents in areas at risk were advised to be alert to strong gusts and hail that could strike buildings or vehicles.
Rain bands move across the capital
The Bangkok Flood Control Center later reported light to moderate rain across several districts, including Thawi Watthana, Taling Chan, Bang Phlat, Chatuchak, Lak Si, Chom Thong, Phra Khanong, Bang Na, Prawet, Bang Kho Laem and Bang Khun Thian.
A separate report cited by Thai PBS said rain was also affecting Suan Luang, Bang Kapi, Chatuchak, Phaya Thai, Din Daeng, Watthana, Bang Sue, Bang Phlat, Bangkok Noi, Taling Chan, Bang Khae, Thawi Watthana, Nong Khaem and Khlong Toei.
The rain bands were moving north-west with a steady trend, while accumulated rainfall in Taling Chan reached 91.5mm, according to The Nation Thailand.
Thai PBS reported accumulated rainfall of 49.0mm in Phasi Charoen and said large rain clouds were expected over central Bangkok within the following three hours.
An earlier radar report from Thailand's Meteorological Department at 4.35pm showed moderate to heavy rain over Bangkok as well as the neighbouring provinces of Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon.
Most rain bands were moving west and showing an increasing trend, according to the report.
