Warning for heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas

COLOMBO (News 1st): Heavy showers or thundershowers associated with a sudden increase of wind speed up to 60-70kmph are expected in sea areas during next 24hours. Issuing a warning, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre and the Department of Meteorology said sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambanthota may experience surges due to the effect of swell waves. Naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into the shallow and deep-sea areas around the island until further notice.

"Those who are out at Sea over these regions are advised to return to coasts or moved safer areas immediately," the Met Department in the statement said.

The low-pressure area over the south-east Bay of Bengal has developed into depression as at this morning. The Met Department says it is very likely to intensify rapidly into a cyclonic storm during the day today and further transform into a severe cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours.   The prevailing showery condition in Southern, Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces is expected to continue further. The Department predicts heavy falls above 200 mm will occur in some places. Showers or thundershowers are expected to occur elsewhere especially in the Eastern, Uva and North-Central provinces.  

"People living in hilly areas (particularly landslide-prone areas) are requested to be vigilant," the Met Department said.