”AMPHAN” likely to intensify into a Super Cyclonic storm: Met. Dep.

The Severe Cyclonic storm ”AMPHAN” has further intensified into an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm and it is very likely to intensify into a Super Cyclonic storm during the next 12 hours, the Meteorology Department said today.

The department said it is likely to move north-northeastwards towards west Bengal coast during the afternoon of May 20.

It said wind speed can be increased up to 70-80 kmph at times in the sea area extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Galle and Hambantota.

“Wind speed reaching (100-150) kmph and gusting up to 200 kmph is prevailing over southeast and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal. Under the influence of the system, heavy showers or thundershowers will occur over sea areas around the island during next 24hours,” it said.

The Department said showers or thundershowers will occur in Southern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces with isolated very heavy showers exceeding 150 mm during next 48 hours.