Cyclone Yaas to become severe storm over Sri Lanka
COLOMBO – The Department of Meteorology on Monday (24) cautioned that cyclonic storm ‘YAAS’ will become “very severe” over the next 24 hours with wind speeds up to 60-70 kmph and rainfall exceeding 150mm expected in several parts of the country.
Noting that Yaas is very likely to move north-northwestwards towards the west Bengal coasts by Wednesday (26) evening, the department said heavy rainfall due to cyclonic conditions would be experienced in the Western and Sabaragamua Provinces and in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts. It also said sporadic showers or thundershowers will also occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North Western and Southern Provinces as a result of the southwest monsoon condition that is gradually establishing over the country.
It said wind speeds can increase up to 50-60kmph and up to 70kmph in the Western slope of the central hills and the Northern, North Central, North Western and Uva Provinces and in the Kegalle, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Trincomalee and Hambantota districts and requested the public to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
The sea area around the island will also be very rough at times, the met department said, forecasting temporary, strong gusty winds and very rough seas during thundershowers.
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