Heavy rains expected as cyclone “Amphan” intensifies to very severe cyclonic storm

The Department of Meteorology issued a weather advisory this morning as the Severe Cyclonic storm ”AMPHAN” further intensified into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm. The cyclonic storm centered over the Central part of South Bay of Bengal and neighborhood, about 740 km North-east of Trincomalee, at 02.30 a.m. of 18th May. It very likely intensifies into an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm during the next 06 hours and likely to move north-north-eastwards towards the west Bengal coast during 20th May. Due to the influence of the system, the prevailing showery condition over the island particularly in the south-western part is likely to continue further. Very heavy showers above 150mm are likely at some places. Wind speed can be increased up to (50-60) kmph at times over the island. Showers or thundershowers will occur in Southern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces with isolated very heavy showers exceeding 150mm.