The Department of Meteorology has warned naval and fishing communities against venturing into several deep-sea areas due to the Severe Cyclonic Storm “Murasu” over the west-central Bay of Bengal.
According to the Met Department, naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into deep-sea areas bounded by latitudes 10°N–17°N and longitudes 80°E–85°E until further notice. Those already operating in these areas have been urged to move to safer locations.
A warning has also been issued against venturing into deep-sea areas extending from Mannar to Trincomalee via Kankasanthurai until further notice.
The Severe Cyclonic Storm “Murasu” was located near latitude 15.3°N and longitude 80.3°E at 2.30 a.m. today (03) and is expected to move northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast of India today.
Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the sea areas surrounding Sri Lanka today.
Southwesterly or southerly winds of 25–35 kmph are forecast, with speeds increasing to 40–45 kmph at times in sea areas extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai.
These sea areas may become fairly rough at times, while other sea areas around the island are expected to remain moderate.
The Met Department further warned that temporarily strong gusty winds reaching 60–70 kmph and very rough seas could occur during thundershowers.
Naval and fishing communities have been urged to remain vigilant and closely monitor future weather forecasts and advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology. (Newswire)