Cyclone Threat Looms as Deep Depression Intensifies South-East of Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Meteorology Department has confirmed that the depression over the south-east of Sri Lanka has strengthened into a deep depression, approximately 120 km south-east of Batticaloa.

The system is expected to move north-northwestwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours, raising serious concerns for coastal and inland communities.

Very heavy showers and thundershowers are likely in sea areas surrounding the island.

North-easterly to northerly winds will dominate, with speeds of 60–70 km/h, gusting up to 80 km/h.

Seas will be rough to very rough, with swell waves reaching 3.0–4.0 meters off the coast from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Colombo, Galle, Hambantota, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee.

Temporary strong gusty winds and extremely rough seas can occur during thundershowers.