The Cyclonic Storm ‘Nivar’ over southwest Bay of Bengal was located near (10.0N, 83.E) at 8.30 am today (24), 325km to the east of Kankesanturai coast, the Department of Meteorology says.

It is very likely to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm and expected to move north-westwards and cross Tamil-Nadu coast, India during next 36 hours.

Sea areas:

Under the influence of the aforementioned system, the possibility for intermittent showers or thundershowers and sudden roughness, associated with a sudden increase of wind speed up to (80 100) kmph is high over Eastern and Northern, deep and shallow sea areas during next 24 hours.

Wind speed can increase up to (50-60) kmph at times over sea area extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo.

There is a possibility that nearshore sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Kankesanturai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa may experience surges due to the effect of swell waves, having (2.0-3.0) m height during next few days.

Naval and fishing communities are warned not to venture to the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Mannar, Kankesanturai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa.

Those who are out at aforementioned sea regions are advised to return to coasts or moved safer areas immediately, the advisory read further.

Naval and fishing communities are requested to be vigilant during the activities in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and further requested to be attentive about future advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.

Land areas:

Very strong gusty winds (60-70) kmph can be expected in Eastern, Northern and North-central. Strong gusty winds (40-50) kmph elsewhere.

The Met. Department urged people living in Eastern, Northern and North-Central provinces are requested to be vigilant.