Cyclone developing over South Bay of Bengal

• Cyclone likely to develop today, fishing communities warned 
• Met. Dept. warns of heavy rains in four provinces and possible landslides 

The low pressure area over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and its neighbourhood is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm over the South Bay of Bengal today, the Department of Meteorology said in a statement. 

The Department warned it is very likely to move north-westwards initially till tomorrow and then move north-eastwards towards the northern part of the Bay of Bengal during 18-20 May.

Under the influence of the low pressure system, the possibility for heavy showers or thundershowers and sudden roughness of sea, associated with sudden increase of wind speed up to 60-70kmph, is high in shallow and deep sea areas around the island.

The Meteorology Department also warned of heavy rains about 150 mm in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Central Provinces.

“There is a possibility that near shore sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota may experience surges due to the effect of swell waves, having 2-2.5 m height,” it said.

Naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into the shallow or deep sea areas around the island until further notice.

Those who are out at sea over these regions are advised to return to coasts or move to safer areas immediately. Meanwhile, people living in hilly areas, particularly landslide prone areas, have also been requested to be vigilant.