The Meteorology Department today warned of strong winds exceeding 70 kmph over the country and surrounding sea areas.

Issuing a severe weather advisory valid for next 24 hours starting from 12.00 noon today, it said the sea area extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanturai and the sea area extending from Hambantota to Batticaloa via Pottuvil could be very rough due to wind speed increasing up to 60-70 kmph.

It said other sea areas around the island expected to be fairly rough at times as the winds could strengthen up to 50-55 kmph.