The deep depression over southwest Bay of Bengal lay centered at (10.0N, 83.3E) to the northeast of Trincomalee coast about 280km. It is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm during next 12 hours and into a Severe Cyclonic Storm during subsequent 12 hours.

It is expected to be move northwestwards and cross Tamil-Nadu coast during next 48 hours.

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

General public is  requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by strong winds.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR SEA AREAS AROUND THE ISLAND DURING NEXT 24 HOURS (Issued at 05.30 a.m. on 24 th November 2020)

Intemittent showers/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.

Condition of Rain:

Intemittent showers or thundershowers will occur in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvill via Mannar, Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa

Winds:

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, Kankasanthurai, 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 Hambanthota via Colombo. Wind speed will be 30-40 kmph in other sea areas.

State of Sea:

The sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Mannar, Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa will be very rough or high at times. Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture these sea areas.

The sea areas extending from Puttalam to Hambanthota via Colombo will be fairly rough at times.

Naval and fishing communities are request to be vigilant in this regard.

ACTION SUGGESTED:

For the Sea areas:

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

Those who are out at aforementioned sea regions are advised to return to coasts or moved safer areas immediately.

* Naval and fishing communities are request 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.

For the Land areas:

* People living in Eastern, Northern and North-Central provinces are requested to be vigilant.

* Be alert on the advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology

* For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.