Fishermen warned against venturing into Northern waters

Colombo, June 13 (Daily Mirror) - The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for rough sea conditions and strong winds around the island over the next 24 hours, urging naval and fishing communities to exercise extreme caution.

According to the forecast issued at 5.30 a.m. today (13), showers or thundershowers are expected at several locations in the sea areas stretching from Mannar to Hambantota via Puttalam, Colombo and Galle.

South-westerly winds are expected to prevail with speeds ranging between 30 and 40 kmph. However, wind speeds may increase significantly in several sea areas. The strongest winds, reaching 60 to 70 kmph, are forecast in the waters extending from Kankasanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar.

Meanwhile, wind speeds of 50 to 60 kmph are likely in the sea areas from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaittivu and from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

The Meteorology Department warned that sea areas off the coast from Kankasanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar will be very rough at times. As a result, naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into these waters until further notice.

Sea areas from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaittivu and from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota are expected to remain rough at times, while other sea areas around the island will be fairly rough.

Wave heights of between 2.0 and 2.5 metres are also expected in the sea areas extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.
The Department further cautioned that temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas could occur during thundershowers and advised seafarers to remain vigilant.