Rough seas and strong winds expected around island

Colombo, May 19 (Daily Mirror) - The Meteorology Department has warned that rough seas and strong winds are expected in several sea areas around the island during the next 24 hours.

According to the latest weather forecast issued at 2.00 p.m. today, showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.

Showers or thundershowers may also occur at a few places in other sea areas around the island during the evening or night.

The Department said winds will be southwesterly with speeds ranging between 30 and 40 kmph. Wind speeds could increase up to 50 to 60 kmph at times in sea areas stretching from Trincomalee to Pottuvil via Kankasanthurai, Mannar, Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

Sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Pottuvil via Kankasanthurai, Mannar, Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota are expected to be rough at times, while other sea areas around the island may remain moderate.

The Department further said that wave heights could increase to about 2.0 to 2.5 metres in sea areas extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

Fishermen and naval communities have also been warned that temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas could occur during thundershowers.