Red notice issued on severe Cyclonic Storm “NIVAR”

The Severe Cyclonic Storm “NIVAR” over the southwest Bay of Bengal is very likely to intensify into a very severe Cyclonic Storm during next six hours and to move closer to the Northern coast of Sri Lanka, the Metrological Department warned. 

It said the severe Cyclonic Storm, which is located near (10.2N, 82.0E) at 0230hrs today (25), 220km to the east of Kankasanthurai coast, would cross Tamil-Nadu coast, India during mid-night of today(25).

“Consequent to the severe Cyclonic Storm, there is a high possibility of intermittent showers or thundershowers and sudden roughness, associated with a sudden increase of wind speed up to (100-110) kmph over the Northern, Eastern and North-western, deep and shallow sea areas during next 24 hours,” the department said.

“There is also a possibility that nearshore sea areas off the coast extending from Puttlam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurei may experience surges due to the effect of swell waves, having (2.0-3.0) m height,” it added.

Moreover, for the land area, it said very strong gusty winds (60-80)kmph could be expected in Eastern, Northern and North-Central provinces.

Therefore, the naval and fishing communities are warned not to venture to the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Batticaloa via Mannar, Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee.

The department also requested people living in Eastern, Northern and North-Central provinces to be cautious of this regard. (Sheain Fernandopulle)