Amber alert issued for heavy rain & strong winds

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Natural Hazards Early Warning Center has issued an amber alert for heavy rain and strong winds today (6), which will be in effect until 04:00 p.m. tomorrow (7). According to the Meteorology Department,  an enhancement of the showery condition in the land areas and windy condition in the sea areas around the island can be expected during 07th, 08th and 09th November due to influence of the prevailing wind convergence zone in the vicinity of the island. Moreover, heavy showers above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northwestern, Uva and Northern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during next 24 hours. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. For the sea areas, Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Potuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. These sea area will be rough at times. Naval and fishing communities are advised to be vigilant in this regards.