Last night at around 10pm (17th September), Perlis was unexpectedly hit by a storm that brought 70km per hour winds damaging 56 houses and 38 schools, even uprooting 156 trees. The storm also caused a fatal road accident involving four vehicles.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (Met), the strong winds were not due to Typhoon Mangkhut that recently swept through the Philippines and Hong Kong. However, do expect heavy winds in the northern states in the peninsular. Although the winds are expected to be strong throughout September, it will not be as strong as the freak storm Perlis experienced yesterday, according to Berita Harian.
Heavy rain and wind hit #Perlis . Becareful guys. Let ya friends and families know and stay safe pic.twitter.com/L54W0CvDXH
— Visit Perlis Malaysia ?? (@VisitPerlisMY) September 17, 2018
Head of Met Malaysia’s National Weather and Geophysics Operations Centre, Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, told the daily,
“The storm that happened in Perlis is not at all related to Typhoon Mangkhut because that typhoon already ended last night.”
“This phenomenon is known as a squall line, and it’s nothing out of the ordinary. It happens during southwest monsoon winds, which is predicted to stop by the end of September.”
According to Dr Mohd Hisham, the strong winds caused by squall lines can also hit Kedah, Penang, and Sabah waters, but not with as much intensity as what Perlis experienced.
Source: Berita Harian
“These storms don’t happen on a daily basis, but can still happen from time to time until the end of this month. We have already issued relevant warnings in the northern states and we will continue to monitor the situation,” he continued.
He advised Malaysians staying in the northern peninsular states to be vigilant and find appropriate shelter as soon as they detect the early signs of a storm.
“Find shelter that can withstand the storm. Do not take shelter under a tree or tent because these can easily fall over due to heavy winds.”
So, take care and be sure to find appropriate shelter! Stay safe!
Also read: Watch the Moment Roof of Bukit Raja Toll Plaza in Klang Shockingly Collapses
