COLOMBO, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Meteorology Department on Wednesday warned of severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfalls in several parts of the island country in the coming days.

In the latest weather update, the Meteorology Department said that heavy falls of above 75 millimeters can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa and western provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts in southern Sri Lanka.

"General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity," the Meteorology Department said.

It further advised the public to seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees and to avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water during thunderstorms.

It urged the public to avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms and to avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats.