PETALING JAYA: The Meteorological Department of Malaysia has issued a warning for flash floods in several states over the weekend due to a low pressure system developing in the country.

       The department said that the low pressure system would lead to thunderstorms with heavy downpours and strong winds in the evenings in states such as Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Sabah and Penang from now until Tuesday.

       “People in these states should be vigilant and extra cautious,” it said.

       The flash floods warning comes at a time when many Malaysians, especially those staying in the Klang Valley, are travelling out of state over the long weekend, due to the Deepavali celebrations.

       The north-east monsoon, which is expected to see four to six episodes of heavy rainfall with possible floodings, started earlier this month and will probably last until January next year.