The deep depression over southwest Bay of Bengal lay centred at (10.0N, 83.3E) to the northeast of Trincomalee coast about 280km, says the Department of Meteorology.

It is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm during the next 12 hours and into a severe cyclonic storm during the subsequent 12 hours. It is expected to be move north-westwards and cross Tamil-Nadu coast during next 48 hours.

Intermittent showers or thundershowers, strong or very strong gusty winds and very rough or high seas can be expected in the sea areas in between 08N-14N, 80E-89E during next few days.

Intermittent showers or thundershowers will occur in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Mannar, Kankesanturai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa.

Winds will be northerly to north-westerly and wind speed can increase up to (80-100) kmph at times over sea area extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Mannar, Kankesanturai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa.   Winds will be north-westerly to south-westerly in the other sea areas around the island.

Wind speed can increase up to (50-60) kmph at times over sea area extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo. Wind speed will be 30-40 kmph in other sea areas.

The sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Mannar, Kankesanturai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa will be very rough or high at times.

The naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture these sea areas.

The sea areas extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo will be fairly rough at times. Naval and fishing communities are requested to be vigilant in this regard.

Land areas:

Under the influence of the aforementioned system, very strong gusty winds (60-70) kmph can be expected in Eastern, Northern and North-central provinces and strong gusty winds (40-50) kmph can be expected elsewhere, the Meteorology Department said further.

Cloudy skies can be expected over Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces and in Trincomalee district.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern and North-Central provinces and in Trincomalee district. Heavy falls above 100mm are likely at some places.

Several spells of showers will occur in Western, North-Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces.

The general public has been urged to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by strong winds.