The Meteorological Department announced today that the low pressure area currently active in the southwestern Bay of Bengal is expected to move westwards and northwestwards in the next 24 hours, potentially approaching the Tamil Nadu coast near the northern coast of Sri Lanka.
Meteorological Department Issues Warning as Low Pressure Area Persist in Bay of Bengal
As a result, the department has issued a warning advising the public to refrain from fishing and navigating in deep and shallow sea areas from Puttalam to Mannar and Kankesanthurai to Mullaitivu, effective immediately.
In addition, the department warned of occasional showers in the sea areas extending from Trincomalee to Kankesanthurai and Mannar to Puttalam. Winds in these areas are expected to reach speeds of 30-40 km/h, with stronger winds of 50-60 km/h between Trincomalee and Puttalam via Kankesanthurai. Sea conditions are expected to be rough to very rough, with the possibility of strong winds and temporary thunderstorms.
Residents in coastal areas and those engaged in maritime activities are advised to exercise caution. The influence of the low pressure system may also bring occasional showers and thundershowers to the Northern, North Central, Eastern, and North Western provinces, with heavy rains exceeding 100 mm expected in some areas of the Northern Province.
The Disaster Management Center has urged the public to take necessary precautions to minimize the risks associated with strong winds and lightning during thunderstorms. In case of any emergency or disaster situation, the public is advised to contact the Disaster Management Center's emergency hotline at 117.
The department will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates.
