Cyclonic storm can turn severe in next few days: Met Dept.

The depression over the south-east Bay of Bengal is likely to move north-westward and intensify into a cyclonic storm over the south-east Bay of Bengal and then into a severe storm over the south-east and adjoining central Bay of Bengal in the next few days, the Meteorology Department said.

Resulting from the cyclonic storm, thundershowers would occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western, and Southern Provinces, the department said.

It also said heavy showers above 75 mm are likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western Provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.

There are possibilities of showers in the Northern Province and showers or thundershowers would occur over the island, particularly during the afternoon or night.

Strong winds up to 45 kmph could be expected over the western and southern coastal areas and along the western slopes of the central hills.

Therefore, the public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary, localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Naval and multi-day fishing communities are advised not to venture into the sea areas until further notice.

The fishing and naval communities are requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department in this regard. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)