The severe cyclonic storm “Arnab” over West central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a ‘Very Severe Cyclonic Storm’ and lay centered at 02.30 a.m. of today (27) over the near latitude 15.9°N and longitude 85.4°E about 890 km to the north-east of Kankasanthurai, according to the Department of Meteorology.

It is very likely to continue to move west-northwestwards till 05.30 p.m. today and thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and cross the Indian land through Andhra Pradesh coast as a very severe cyclonic storm by 11.30 a.m. tomorrow (28).

Although this system is not expected to have a direct impact on Sri Lanka, the showery condition over the southwestern parts of the island is expected continue today, as the wind flow associated with the system extends across the island, the Met. Department added.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Northwestern provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts and, fairly heavy rainfall above 75 mm are likely at some places in these areas.

Showers or thunder showers will occur at a few places after 1.00 p.m. in the Eastern province, the Met. Department added.

Strong winds of about 40-50 kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the Central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota Districts, it added.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.