The Meteorology Department says a low-pressure area has formed over southeast Bay of Bengal and it is likely to move west northwestwards and intensify into a depression over southwest Bay of Bengal on 25 November. 

The system may intensify further and move towards the Northern coast of Sri Lanka, the department said issuing ‘Red’ weather warning for the land and the sea areas around the island. 

Very heavy showers above 150 mm are likely at some places in Eastern and Uva provinces due to the influence of the aforementioned system, it said.

The deep and shallow sea areas off the coasts extending from Mannar to Hambantota via Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Pottuvil will be very rough to high as the wind speed can be increased up to 60-70 kmph at times. Very heavy showers or thundershowers are likely in these areas. 

Naval and fishing communities are warned not to venture to the sea areas off the coasts extending from Mannar to Hambantota via Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Pottuvil, from 24 November, until further notice.

They are also requested to be attentive about future advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.

Meanwhile, the general public is requested to be vigilant regarding the impending extreme weather situation from November 24 to November 26. 

The public is also urged to contact the local disaster management authorities for emergency assistance and to be attentive about future advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.