Another cyclonic storm heading East and North

The present gusty winds and cloudy skies condition over the country is due to a cyclonic storm developing in the Bay of Bengal that is most likely to hit Eastern, Northern, North-central, and Uva provinces and Hambantota and Matale districts by Tuesday (2) evening.

The Meteorology Department issuing a red alert cyclonic storm warning said a depression over the south-east Bay of Bengal lay centered 590 km east-southeast to Trincomalee and likely to intensify into a deep depression and later into a cyclonic storm. 

“This system is very likely to move west-northwestwards and cross eastern coast of Sri Lanka between Batticaloa and Mullaitivu today (2) evening,” the Department said.

Cloudy skies are expected over the country while Northern and Eastern areas are forecasted to receive heavy rainfall above 100 mm and strong winds. Afternoon showers are expected in other areas as well.

“Fairly strong gusty winds (30-40) kmph can be expected in Northern, North-Central, Eastern, North-Western and Western provinces. General public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thunderstorms,” the Department warned.