The Department of Meteorology has issued an amber-level advisory warning of severe lightning and thundershowers across several parts of Sri Lanka.
According to the Met Department, thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely in several areas, with the warning in effect from 1.00 p.m. today (09) until 1.00 a.m. tomorrow (10).
The warning covers all Divisional Secretariat divisions in Anuradhapura, Badulla, Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Jaffna, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kilinochchi, Kurunegala, Mannar, Matale, Matara, Monaragala, Mullaitivu, Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Puttalam, Ratnapura, Trincomalee and Vavuniya districts.
It also applies to Padiyatalawa in Ampara, Korale Pattu in Batticaloa, and several areas in Hambantota, including Ambalantota, Angunakolapelessa, Beliatta, Hambantota, Katuwana, Lunugamwehera, Okewela, Suriyawewa, Tangalle and Weeraketiya.
The Met Department warned of possible localised flooding in low-lying areas, difficult driving conditions due to poor visibility and standing water, transport disruptions and interruptions to essential services.
It also cautioned that landslides, rockfalls and soil erosion could occur in vulnerable areas, while some communities may become temporarily inaccessible.
The public has been advised to remain alert, monitor official weather updates and follow flood and landslide warnings issued by the Department of Irrigation and the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).
Residents in vulnerable areas have also been urged to identify safe shelters and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
The Met Department advised the public to contact local disaster management authorities for emergency assistance. (Newswire)