The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has warned fishing vessels operating in sea areas affected by Cyclone Arnab to remain away from the storm’s centre and expected path, as wind speeds could exceed 100 km/h.
In a special notice issued today (26), Director General of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Susantha Kahawatta said the depression in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm named Arnab.
According to the Department of Meteorology’s latest advisory, the storm is currently located near latitude 15° 04′ North and longitude 088° 09′ East.
The cyclonic storm is expected to intensify further and move in a northwesterly direction, with a greater tendency towards the west.
The Fisheries Department warned that wind speeds in sea areas north of latitude 10° North could reach 100 km/h or even exceed that level at times due to the storm’s influence.
Accordingly, fishing vessels currently operating in the affected sea areas have been strongly advised to maintain a safe distance from the centre of the cyclone and its projected path.
The Department further warned that sea areas surrounding Sri Lanka could also become rough due to the influence of the weather system.
Director General Kahawatta urged the fishing community to remain vigilant and closely follow future weather advisories issued by the relevant authorities. (Newswire)