The Department of Meteorology has issued an amber advisory for severe lightning for the Eastern and Uva provinces and the Polonnaruwa and Mullaitivu districts.
The advisory, issued at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, is valid until 11:30 p.m.
The department said thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely at several places in the affected areas, while temporary localized strong winds may also occur during thundershowers.
The public has been urged to take precautions to minimize damage caused by lightning, including seeking shelter indoors and avoiding open areas, bodies of water and sheltering under trees during thunderstorms.
People have also been advised to avoid using wired telephones and connected electrical appliances, and to be cautious of falling trees and power lines.
The department said emergency assistance should be sought from local disaster management authorities when necessary.
