The Meteorological Department has cautioned that heavy rains and windy conditions in seven states are expected to last till Monday.

It said in a statement today that strong northeast monsoon winds of 65km/h had started and a "tropical depression" (or cyclone) had formed over the South China Sea and was expected to move northwest and cross over the north of the peninsula today and tomorrow.

The department issued an orange warning for Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, predicting widespread moderate to heavy rain.

A yellow warning was issued for Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak, which can expect occasional scattered rain becoming fairly widespread and heavy.

Follow instructions

At the same time, 6m waves are expected on the east coast, and 3m to 4m waves in the northern parts of the Straits of Malacca tomorrow.

Meanwhile, cloudy conditions as well as occasional rain are expected over other areas of the peninsula.

Sabah and Sarawak can also expect moderate rainfall during the weekend.

The department has advised the public to follow instructions given by the authorities and to turn to the media for the latest information on floods.