The Department of Meteorology has warned naval and fishing communities to refrain from venturing into specified sea areas as Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’ has intensified into a ‘Very Severe Cyclonic Storm’ over the west-central Bay of Bengal.
According to the Department, the storm was centered at around 2.30 a.m. today (27), near latitude 15.9°N and longitude 85.4°E, approximately 890 kilometers north-east of Kankesanthurai.
The system is expected to move west-northwestwards until 5.30 p.m. today before turning northwestwards and crossing the Indian landmass along the Andhra Pradesh coast as a very severe cyclonic storm by 11.30 a.m. tomorrow (28).
Although the system is not expected to have a direct impact on Sri Lanka, showers are expected to continue over the southwestern parts of the island today due to the associated wind flow.
The Department has warned that wind speeds in the sea areas covered by the warning may increase to between 80 and 140 kilometers per hour, accompanied by heavy thundershowers and wave heights of around 3 to 4 meters, resulting in very rough sea conditions.
Accordingly, naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into the sea areas bounded by latitudes 10°N to 20°N and longitudes 80°E to 95°E until further notice.
Those already operating in the affected areas have been urged to move away from them.
Meanwhile, the deep and shallow sea areas extending from Colombo to Mullaitivu via Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Pottuvil and Batticaloa are also expected to be very rough at times, with wind speeds increasing to between 60 and 65 kilometers per hour.
Wave heights in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Matara may rise to between 2 and 2.5 meters.
Temporarily strong gusty winds reaching 60 to 70 kilometers per hour and very rough seas may also occur during thundershowers.
The Department has urged naval and fishing communities operating in sea areas around the island to remain vigilant and follow future weather forecasts and advisories.