Heavy rains from Feb.1, fishing, naval community advised to be vigilant: Met. Dept.

• The public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by localized, temporary strong winds and lightning during thundershowers

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

The fishing and naval communities were advised to be vigilant and not venture into fishing and naval activities in the sea areas due to a low-pressure area over the Southeast Bay of Bengal, the Meteorology Department said. 

They said the low pressure area over the Southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to move West and Northwestward towards the Wastern coast of Sri Lanka on February 1.   

Accordingly, residents living in the sea areas off the coast extending from Pottuvil to Mannar via Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Kankasanthurai have been requested to be vigilant, and in the other sea areas around the island starting at 6:00 p.m today.  Accordingly, thundershowers would occur in the Northern, Eastern, Uva, North-Central, and Central provinces.   

Heavy rains of up to 150mm are expected in some areas beginning Feb. 1. 

 
Meanwhile, showers will occur at several places in the country during the afternoon or night today.   
Therefore, the public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by localized, temporary strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Wind speeds will range between 40 and 45 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 70 kilometres per hour in coastal areas. Heavy showers or thundershowers and rough seas can also be expected in the above sea areas.