Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations (FHN) has urged the public to take precautions ahead of unstable weather forecast for Nov. 15.
According to information provided by the ministry, “Operative Information Center-OMM” reports, unstable weather is expected across Azerbaijan, including Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, from the second half of Nov. 15 until the evening of Nov. 16.
The forecast calls for strong winds, heavy rain in some areas, short-lived floods and overflows on some mountain rivers, and thunderstorms.
FHN has reminded the public of a number of safety measures in view of the expected weather.
During strong winds, people are advised to stay away from lightweight and temporary structures, buildings and advertising boards, and not to stand beneath power poles, wires or tall trees. Particular attention should also be paid to fire safety in windy weather. Users of small vessels have been reminded that going out to sea in such conditions is prohibited.
To guard against flash floods, river flooding and inundation caused by heavy rain, people are advised to stay away from hazardous areas. If faced with such a threat, they should immediately move to higher ground and follow rescuers’ instructions and recommendations.
The ministry has also warned the public about the risk of lightning. During a thunderstorm, people are advised to unplug electrical devices, avoid using phones, stay away from power lines, lightning conductors, gutters and antennas outdoors, and not shelter beneath tall trees.
People in vehicles are advised to stop, close the windows and wait until the lightning threat has passed.
