The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning to naval and fishing communities against venturing into several sea areas in the Bay of Bengal, as Cyclonic Storm “Arnab” has intensified into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm.
According to the department, the storm, which was located over the west-central Bay of Bengal, intensified further and was centred approximately 890 km northeast of Kankasanthurai at 2.30 a.m. today (27).
The cyclone is expected to move west-northwestwards until 5.30 p.m. today before changing direction towards the northwest and crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast in India as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm by 11.30 a.m. tomorrow (28).
The department warned that wind speeds in the sea areas between latitudes 10°N and 20°N and longitudes 80°E and 95°E could increase to 80–140 kmph, accompanied by heavy thundershowers and waves reaching heights of 3–4 metres.
As a result, naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into these sea areas until further notice, while those already operating in the affected regions have been urged to move away immediately.
Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the sea areas surrounding Sri Lanka, with southwesterly winds ranging between 30 and 40 kmph.
Wind speeds could increase to 60–65 kmph at times in the deep and shallow sea areas extending from Colombo to Mullaitivu via Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Pottuvil and Batticaloa.
Other sea areas around the island could experience wind speeds of up to 50 kmph.
The department further warned that sea conditions along the Colombo–Mullaitivu coastal stretch could become very rough at times, while other sea areas may also experience rough conditions.
Wave heights could increase to 2–2.5 metres in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Matara.
Additionally, temporarily strong gusty winds of 60–70 kmph and very rough seas are expected during thundershowers.
The Department of Meteorology has urged naval and fishing communities to remain vigilant and closely monitor future weather forecasts and advisories. (Newswire)