• 70 kmph winds forecast in affected sea areas
• Flood warnings extended for Kuda and Gin rivers

A Red Warning has been issued for strong winds and rough seas in deep-sea areas of the Bay of Bengal as two weather systems intensify, while heavy rain is expected to continue across several parts of Sri Lanka, particularly the south-west, the Meteorology Department said.

The low-pressure area over the east-central Bay of Bengal was expected to intensify into a deep depression over the west-central Bay today (22) before moving towards the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coasts around 0000 Coordinated Universal Time tomorrow (23).

Another low-pressure area over the Andaman Sea, northeast of Sri Lanka, is also expected to develop into a depression within the next 24 hours. Although it is not expected to directly affect Sri Lanka, its associated wind flow is likely to maintain rainy conditions, particularly in the south-western parts of the country.

The Department forecast showers or thundershowers at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western Provinces and in the Galle and Matara Districts today, with heavy rainfall of around 100 mm possible in some areas.

Several spells of showers are also expected in the North-Central Province and Mannar District, while showers or thundershowers are likely at several places in Uva Province and in Batticaloa and Ampara after 2 p.m.

Strong winds of 40–50 kmph may occur at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills, North-Central and North-Western Provinces and in the Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale Districts.

In the sea areas under the “Advisory” category, winds are expected to reach 55–65 kmph at times, with rough to very rough seas. Winds in areas under the “Warning” category could reach 70 kmph, while heavy thundershowers may cause very rough seas.

Naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into the affected sea areas until further notice, while those already at sea have been urged to move away and closely monitor further forecasts.

Meanwhile, the highest rainfall recorded during the past few hours was 104 mm in Maliboda, Kegalle. Kalupahana recorded 95.5 mm, Maskeliya 85.5 mm, Polpithigama 85 mm and Dammulla 82.5 mm.

The Irrigation Department has extended flood warnings for the Kuda River sub-basin of the Kalu River and the Gin River basin for a further 24 hours.

Irrigation Director Engineer L.S. Sooriyabandara said the upper catchments of the Kelani River had received 100–125 mm of rain over the past 24 hours, while most other river basins recorded 50–80 mm.

He said water levels in the upper catchments of the Gin and Nilwala rivers remained elevated following rainfall exceeding 200 mm two days ago, posing a minor flood risk to areas including Baddegama, Udugama, Akuressa and Thalgahagoda. The Kuda River at Millakanda was also approaching minor flood levels.

Water levels in the Kelani River at Hanwella and Avissawella remained high, while levels in the Mahaweli River and Attanagalu Oya were receding but remained close to warning levels.

The Irrigation Department has warned the public against entering inundated areas or engaging in water-based activities, stressing that such activities are extremely dangerous.