Bay of Bengal cyclone warning issued for Sri Lanka and surrounding regions

The Department of Meteorology has issued warnings regarding a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal that is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 26 and potentially a severe cyclonic storm by October 27.

While a direct landfall in Sri Lanka is not currently expected, the system is projected to cause increased rainfall and strong winds across the island. Heavy rainfall, exceeding 100 mm in some areas, is anticipated in the Sabaragamuwa, Central, North, North-Western, and Southern provinces, as well as Trincomalee. Wind speeds in certain regions may reach 40 to 50 km/h.

Fishermen and maritime workers have been advised to avoid deep-sea activities in the specified coordinates (Latitude 10° - 20° N and Longitude 80° - 95° E) until further notice. The storm is also expected to move towards the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha in India.