Rough seas off east coast

n The Nation

An intense high-pressure area over the North has brought strong winds and heavy seas to coastal areas.

These are expected to intensify by the middle of the week, according to the Meteorological Department.

Coastal areas of Southern provinces, particularly the east, are expected to be battered by powerful waves, it warned.

It advised coastal residents to monitor weather reports. A maritime warning is in force for all vessels.

In Nakhon Si Thammarat, about 3,600 households have been evacuated due to dangerous seas, provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department chief Vichit Maneelok reported, adding that conditions were being monitored and timely alerts would be issued.

Sandbag barriers have been put up along coastal areas of Songkhla, which was hit by giant seas last week.

The North, Northeast, eastern Central and upper South were expecting a cold snap with frost in hill-country areas.