The Department of Meteorology has reported that the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm “Arnab” over the west-central Bay of Bengal is moving toward the Indian coastline, with its direct weather impact on Sri Lanka expected to gradually ease from tomorrow (28).
As of 11:30 a.m. today, the system was centered near Latitude 16.0°N and Longitude 84.3°E—approximately 820 km north-east of Kankesanthurai, the Department said. The severe storm is forecast to move northwest and cross the Indian coast through Andhra Pradesh around 11:30 a.m. tomorrow.
Meanwhile, several spells of showers are expected in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts tomorrow.
Showers or thundershowers are likely at a few places in the Uva province and the Batticaloa and Ampara districts after 1:00 p.m.
Furthermore, strong winds of 40–50 kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills, the Northern, North-Central, and North-Western provinces, and the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.
The Met. Department also urged the general public to remain cautious of temporary localized strong winds and sudden lightning strikes during thundershowers.
