‘FANI’ is likely to intensify within the next 12 hours

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The met department states that the cyclonic storm ‘FANI’ 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 cyclone in the following 24 hours. The system is very likely to move northwestwards off the east coast till May 1st and thereafter recurve northeastwards gradually. Strong windy and the showery conditions are expected over the island today and tomorrow. Strong winds up to 60 kph can be expected over the island particularly in Northern, North-Central, North-Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee and Ampara districts. Showers or thundershowers at times will occur over most parts of the island. Very heavy rainfall above 150 mm can be expected at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Western and North-Western provinces and in Mannar district and also heavy rainfalls of about 100 mm are also likely at some other places. The general public, naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive about future advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology.