Summer storm tears through Korat, leaving severe damage as more rain looms

The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office has reported widespread damage after a severe summer storm swept through the province between 4pm and 8.30pm on April 24, 2026.

Strong winds and heavy rain caused extensive damage, with the most serious incident reported at the Nakhon Ratchasima Buddhist Development Institute in Cho Ho subdistrict, where two multi-purpose dome structures were badly damaged by powerful gusts.

In Hua Thale subdistrict, the storm also destroyed one worker accommodation building at Ban Phrai. In Phimai district, particularly in Rang Ka Yai subdistrict, three homes were damaged by the storm, while one rice barn was also affected, causing significant hardship for local residents.

In Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality, several large trees were reported to have snapped and fallen across roads, disrupting traffic. Officials were deployed to cut and remove the trees in order to reopen the routes.

At the same time, in Non Sung district, especially in Ban Non Man and the Non Sung subdistrict municipality area, continuous heavy rain caused flooding and standing water, making it difficult for small vehicles to pass. Disaster officials and local administrative organisations have already moved in to provide initial assistance and are continuing to assess the damage in order to support affected residents.

Meanwhile, the Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning for summer storms over upper Thailand, with the impact expected to continue through April 25, 2026.

The department said the western and lower Northeast, the North, the Central region, including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, and the East would be affected by summer storms featuring thunderstorms, strong winds, hail and heavy rain in some areas, with lightning also possible.

The weather is being driven by a high-pressure system, or cold air mass, from China spreading across the Northeast and the South China Sea, while upper Thailand remains generally hot.

People in affected areas have been urged to beware of summer storms by avoiding open spaces, large trees, unstable buildings and weak advertising signs. Farmers are also advised to strengthen fruit trees and prepare to protect crops and livestock from possible damage, while taking care of their health during the changing weather.

High-risk areas (red)

• North: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Sukhothai, Tak and Kamphaeng Phet
• Central: Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi, including Bangkok and surrounding provinces
• East: Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao and Chon Buri

Moderate-risk areas (yellow)

• North: Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phichit and Phetchabun
• Northeast: Loei, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram and Surin
• Central: Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Lop Buri and Nakhon Pathom
• East: Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat