Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) has issued a white alert for central atolls, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected.

The alert, issued at 5:10pm on Saturday, is valid until 10pm.

In its alert, the office noted that heavy rain and thunderstorms is expected in the region between Laamu and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls, with gusty winds of 40mph.

According to the MET Office’s weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday, scattered rain with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms will be experienced over the country.

It noted that surface winds will vary between west and north-westerly at 10 to 20 miles per hour in southern-most atolls, and five to 15 miles per hour elsewhere. Winds are expected to gust at 40 miles per hour during showers. Seas are expected to be moderate to rough in southern atolls, and slight to moderate over the rest of the country.

Heavy rain has caused flooding in some islands, damaging households. In addition, two teenagers have been missing in Addu City since last Saturday, believed to have been pulled out to sea by a rip current while out swimming.