Rough seas warning for coastal waters

Colombo, June 11 (Daily Mirror) - The Meteorology Department has warned of rough to very rough sea conditions around several coastal areas over the next 24 hours, urging naval and fishing communities to exercise extreme caution.

According to the latest weather forecast for sea areas around the island issued at 2.00 p.m. today (11), showers or thundershowers are expected at times in sea areas off the coast stretching from Chilaw to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.

Winds will be south-westerly with speeds ranging between 30 and 40 kmph. However, wind speeds are expected to increase significantly in some areas.

The department said wind speeds could reach between 60 and 70 kmph at times in sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar. Winds may also strengthen up to 50 to 60 kmph in sea areas from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaittivu, and from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

Sea conditions off the coasts from Kankasanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar are expected to be very rough at times. As a result, naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into these waters until further notice.

Meanwhile, sea areas extending from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaittivu and from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota are expected to be rough at times.

The remaining sea areas around the island are likely to be fairly rough.

The Department also warned that wave heights could increase to around 2.0 to 2.5 metres in sea areas from Mannar to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

Fishermen and maritime operators have further been cautioned that temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.