Cyclonic storm alert: Heavy rain & strong winds expected today

A cyclonic storm could be expected later today, as the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal was located off Trincomalee today morning and the system is expected to move slowly north-northwest, approaching the east coast.

The Meteorology Department reports that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal was located approximately 100 km northeast of Trincomalee as of 2:30 a.m today morning.

The Department warned cloudy skies will loom over most parts of the island, with the Northern Province and Trincomalee District likely to experience very heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds. Showers or thundershowers are forecast for these areas, with rainfall exceeding 150 mm in some locations.

Other areas will also see intermittent showers. Heavy rainfall, exceeding 100 mm, is expected in parts of the North Central and North Western Provinces, as well as Matale and Kegalle Districts.

The Northern, North Central, and North Western Provinces, along with Trincomalee District, may experience very strong winds of 60-70 KMPH. Wind speeds of 40-50 KMPH are expected in other areas.

Meanwhile the Disaster Management Centre said so far six deaths have been caused due to adverse weather conditions while over 330,000 persons have been affected in 20 districts.