Wind speeds to increase with showers tonight

Colombo (News 1st): The Department of Meteorology says, fairly heavy rainfall of approximately 100 mm is likely at some places in the Western, Central, North-Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts. It adds that wind speed up to 70-80 kmph can be expected along the coastal area from Puttalam to Galle. Speaking to News 1st Meteorologist on Duty Malinda Millangoda noted that the wind speed in the North and Central Arabian sea areas may increase up to 70 to 80kmph. He added that rough seas also can be experienced and wind speeds in the North and Central areas in the Bay of Bengal may increase up to 60 to 70kmph. He noted that thundershowers can be expected in the coastal area extending from Mannar to Hambantota via Puttalam and Galle. Meanwhile strong winds up to 60 kilometres per hour can be expected in the coastal areas between Colombo and Mannar, via Puttalam, and the coastal areas between Hambantota and Pottuvil. Department of Fisheries requests fishermen to refrain from venturing out to sea, due to strong winds in the Northern and Central Bay of Bengal.

Accident Related to Weather

Meanwhile, a fishing vessel that left the Dickowita fishing port last night, had crashed onto a rock while sailing. Two fishermen, both residents of Pamunugama, Wattala, are missing following the accident. Further, strong gusty winds were reported in several areas across the island last evening. A motor vehicle and a three-wheeler were damaged in the Ampara town last evening when a hoarding of a private business institution collapsed. CCTV footage shows how a motorcyclist escaped the accident. Four houses were damaged due to strong winds in the Hathbodiyawaththe area in Narahenpita. Also due to the prevailing weather a bus belonging to Prince of Wales College in Moratuwa, was damaged after a tree collapsed on it.