Prevailing showery condition in the South-western part of the country (particularly in Southern, Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces) is expected to continue further, the Department of Meteorology said issuing an advisory this morning.

Heavy falls above 150 mm will occur at some places in Nuwara-Eliya, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kalutara, Galle and Matara districts during next 24 hours.

Wind speed can increase up to (50-60) kmph at times over the island.

The general public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity during thundershowers.

Sea areas:

The Super Cyclonic Storm “AMPHAN” (pronounced as UM-PUN) over west-central Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood, lay centred near latitude 14.9°N and longitude 86.5°E, about 900 km North-east of Trincomalee at 11.30 p.m. yesterday (18), says the Meteorology Department.

It is very likely to move north and north-eastward towards west Bengal coast during the afternoon of 20th May.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas around the island.

Heavy showers can be expected at some places in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

Winds will be South-westerly in the sea area around the island. Wind speed will be (50-55) kmph.

Wind speed can increase up to (70-80) kmph at times in the sea area extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

The sea areas around the island can be rough and the sea area extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Colombo, Galle, Hambantota and Pottuvil will be very rough at times.

Temporarily strong gusty winds (up to 70-80 kmph) and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

Fishing and naval community are requested to be attentive regarding future forecasts issued in this regard.