The Department of Meteorology warns that the Severe Cyclonic Storm “NIVAR” is very likely to intensify into a very Severe Cyclonic Storm and is expected to move closer to the Northern coast of Sri Lanka and cross Tamil-Nadu coast, India around midnight today (25).

Severe Cyclonic Storm “NIVAR” over southwest Bay of Bengal was located near (11.0N,81.3E) at 11.30 a.m. today (25), 195 km to the north-east of Kankasanthurai coast, it said. 

It is very likely to intensify into a very Severe Cyclonic Storm during next 06 hours and expected to move closer to the Northern coast of Sri Lanka and cross Tamil-Nadu coast, India during midnight today (25), the department said issuing a ‘Red’ warning.

For Sea Area

Under the influence of aforementioned system, possibility for intermittent showers or thundershowers and sudden roughness, associated with sudden increase of wind speed up to 100-110 kmph is high over Northern, Eastern and North-western, deep and shallow sea areas during next 24 hours, it said.

Wind speed can increase up to 50-60 kmph at times over sea area extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo.

There is a possibility that near shore sea areas off the coast extending from Puttlam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurei and may experience surges due to the effect of swell waves, having 2.0-3.0m height.

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.

Those who are out at aforementioned sea regions are advised to return to coasts or moved safer areas immediately.

Naval and fishing communities are also request to be vigilant during the activities in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and further requested to be attentive about future advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.

For Land Area

Very strong gusty winds of 60-80 kmph can be expected in Eastern, Northern and North-Central provinces with strong gusty winds 40-50 kmph elsewhere.

Showers are expected in Northern, North-Central, Eastern and North-Western provinces.

People living in Eastern, Northern and North-Central provinces are requested to be vigilant and be alert on the advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology.