Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology has issued a red warning for strong winds and rough seas as a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal is expected to develop into a cyclonic storm by Monday (16).
According to the department’s latest bulletin, issued on Saturday evening, the low-pressure area was located approximately 650 kilometres east of Batticaloa.
The system is expected to move northwestwards, away from Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, and intensify into a depression by Sunday (15).
It is then forecast to develop into a cyclonic storm over the southern and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal around Monday (16).
The Meteorology Department’s projected track also indicates that the system could intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday (18).
Meanwhile, naval and fishing communities have been warned not to venture into the southeastern Bay of Bengal deep-sea areas or waters off Sri Lanka’s coast extending from Kankesanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee and Pottuvil.
Those already operating in the affected sea areas have been advised to move to safer locations.
The department urged fishing and naval communities to remain alert to future weather forecasts and warnings as the system develops.
The next official bulletin is scheduled for Sunday evening. (Newswire)
