• Meteorology Dept warns of rough seas and possible damage

The Department of Meteorology has forecast showers at times in the Sabaragamuwa Province and the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts over the next 36 hours, with fairly heavy rainfall of around 50 mm expected in some areas.

Several spells of showers are also forecast in the Western and North-Western Provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva Province and the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m., while mainly dry weather is expected elsewhere across the island.

Strong south-westerly winds of between 40 and 50 kmph are expected at times over the North Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and North-Western Provinces, as well as the Trincomalee District.

The Department has urged the public to take precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning associated with thunderstorms.

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has also issued a strong wind advisory valid until 11.30 a.m. today (3), warning that wind speeds could cause damage to roofs, power and communication lines, trees, paddy fields, banana and papaya plantations, orchards and harbour yachts. Sea water inundation is also possible in low-lying coastal areas.

The public has been advised to remain alert, avoid damaged structures and fallen power lines, and follow further advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology.

Meanwhile, the Department's forecast for multi-day fishing vessels warned that winds over the sea areas from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota could strengthen to between 50 and 60 kmph. The sea in those areas is expected to be rough at times, with wave heights reaching between 2.5 and 3 metres. 

The Navy and fishing communities have been advised to exercise extreme caution while carrying out operations at sea.