An Amber weather advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology warning of strong winds, heavy showers, and rough seas in the Bay of Bengal, particularly affecting multi-day fishing vessels.
The advisory, issued at 10:00 a.m. today (24), will remain in effect for 24 hours, until 10:00 a.m. on Friday (25).
According to the department, a low-pressure area developed over the southeast Bay of Bengal at around 5:30 a.m. today. The system is expected to intensify further and move west-northwestward over the next 24 hours.
Naval and fishing communities have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea areas bounded by 05N–18N and 80E–95E until further notice. Those currently operating in the affected zones have been urged to move away before October 25.
The department further warned that sea areas to the east of Sri Lanka, extending towards the deep Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, will be rough or very rough at times, with strong gusty winds reaching speeds of 55–65 kmph accompanied by heavy thundershowers.
Fishermen operating in the shallow coastal areas stretching from Kankasanthurai to Batticaloa via Trincomalee are also advised to remain vigilant.
The Meteorology Department urged all multi-day fishing vessels and naval personnel in the affected regions to closely monitor future weather forecasts and updates.
