Red notice issued on severe cyclonic storm “NIVAR”

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

The severe cyclonic storm “NIVAR” over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is very likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm during the next six hours and to move closer to the Northern coast of Sri Lanka, the Meteorological Department warned.   

It said the severe cyclonic storm, which is located near (10.2N, 82.0E) at 0230hrs yesterday (25), 220km to the East of Kankesanthurai coast, would cross Tamil Nadu coast, India during mid-night of 25th.  
“Consequent to the severe cyclonic storm, there is a high possibility of intermittent showers or thundershowers and sudden roughness, associated with a sudden increase of wind speed up to (100-110) kmph over the Northern, Eastern and North-Western, deep and shallow sea areas during the next 24 hours,” the Department said.  “There is also a possibility that nearshore sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankesanthurai may experience surges due to the effect of swell waves, having (2.0-3.0) m height,” it added.  Moreover, for the land area, it said very strong gusty winds 60-80 kmph could be expected in the Eastern, Northern and North-Central Provinces.  

Therefore, the naval and fishing communities are warned not to venture to the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Batticaloa via Mannar, Kankesanthurai and Trincomalee.  

The Department also requested people living in the Eastern, Northern and North-Central Provinces to be cautious of this regard.