The Department of Meteorology has warned naval and fishing communities against venturing into several sea areas in the Bay of Bengal due to rough seas and strong winds associated with the very severe cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’, which is making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast in India.
According to the Department, wind speeds in the sea areas between latitudes 10°N and 20°N and longitudes 80°E and 90°E could increase to 80–100 kmph, accompanied by heavy thundershowers.
Wave heights in these areas could reach 3–4 metres, resulting in very rough sea conditions.
Naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into the affected sea areas until further notice, while those already operating in these areas have been urged to move away.
Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the sea areas surrounding Sri Lanka today (28).
Southwesterly winds of 30–40 kmph are forecast, with speeds increasing to 60–65 kmph at times in the deep and shallow sea areas extending from Puttalam to Mullaitivu via Kankasanthurai and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
Wind speeds in other sea areas around the island could increase to 50 kmph at times.
The sea areas from Puttalam to Mullaitivu and from Galle to Pottuvil are expected to 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 from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
The Department further warned that temporary strong gusty winds of 60–70 kmph and very rough seas could occur during thundershowers.
Naval and fishing communities have been urged to remain attentive to future weather forecasts and advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology. (Newswire)