Strong winds in coastal areas

The fishing community and naval vessels have been advised by the Meteorology Department to expect strong winds on Sunday.

The warning came after heavy damages in several areas including Colombo due to strong winds where houses, commercial buildings, vehicles  and hoardings were damaged.

The Department’s Natural Hazards Early Warning Center the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Kankasaththurai via Puttalam and Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota would be very rough at times with very strong winds up to 60 to 70 Kmph today.

Therefore the Department advised the Naval and fishing communities not venture to the very rough sea areas until further notice.

Meanwhile the wind speed may increase up to 50 to 60 KMph at sea areas extending from Chilaw to Galle via Colombo, Kankasathurai to Trincomalee via Mullaittivu. As a result the Naval and fishing communities engaged in fishing activities in the sea areas to be vigilant about the winds speed and rough seas.

The warning also stated that the wave height may increase about 3.0 meters in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. There is a possibility of surges due to swell waves over the coastal areas extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

According to the Disaster Management center over 7,239 persons in 14 districts had been affected due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. According to them 32 locations in Colombo experienced tree fallings as well as power line disruptions.