FANI to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm

Colombo (News1st) - According to the Met Department, the cyclonic storm ‘FANI’ (pronounced as FONI) over southeast Bay of Bengal to the east of Sri Lanka is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during next 12 hours and further intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm in the subsequent 24 hours. The system is very likely to move northwestwards off the east coast till April 30th and thereafter recurve northeastwards gradually. Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, North-Western and Central provinces. Heavy rainfall of about 100mm can be expected at some places in the Southern, Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces. Showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places elsewhere after 2.00 pm. The general public, naval and fishing communities have been requested to be attentive of future advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology.