According to the latest forecast bulletin of the Sri Lankan Meteorological Department, a tropical depression in the Bay of Bengal, currently located about 170 km east of Batticaloa, is likely to move in a Northwest direction and enter the Sri Lankan coast, the area from Pottuvil to Trincomalee on the afternoon of January 9.
The strongest wind near the center of the tropical depression reached 55 km/h. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) forecasts that the tropical depression may strengthen into a storm in the next 24 hours.
The Sri Lankan Meteorological Department said that due to the influence of the tropical depression, widespread showers and strong winds will increase, especially in the northern, north-central, eastern, Uva and central provinces of Sri Lanka.
In a notice issued at 2:30 am on the same day, the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center assessed that there are still many uncertain factors in the forecast, but the tropical depression is likely to weaken into a common low pressure after making landfall.
Faced with unfavorable weather developments, the Sri Lankan meteorological agency recommends that people living in coastal temporary housing areas quickly move deeper into the mainland, and calls on people in affected areas to limit going out and raise vigilance.
For land areas, people in hilly areas, areas prone to landslides, and low-lying areas in river basins are required to closely monitor the weather situation; vehicles traveling on mountain passes and slopes need to be especially careful.
Functional agencies also warned of the risk of trees falling and power lines breaking, and at the same time recommended avoiding the use of wired electrical equipment during storms.
For the sea area, fishermen are required not to go out to sea in the waters around Sri Lankan islands, until further notice. Ships operating in the dangerous area are advised to urgently return to shore or move to a safe place.
The Sri Lankan Meteorological Department requests people to continue to follow the next forecast and warning bulletins, and contact local disaster management agencies when urgent assistance is needed.
Tourists planning to come here during this time should regularly follow weather forecasts and check flight schedules. Follow local instructions to avoid dangerous storms.
