The forecasting division of the National Meteorological Centre has issued an alert stating that the cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’ is expected to further intensify and move northwestward away from Sri Lanka towards the North Tamil Nadu coast of India. Currently positioned over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, approximately 365 kilometers northeast of Jaffna, the storm is anticipated to progress northwards and cross the South Andhra Pradesh coasts around tomorrow (5).
As a consequence, heavy showers, amounting to about 75 mm, are forecasted in the Northern and North-Central Provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts after 1:00 p.m. The public is urged to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
A cautionary advisory has been issued, highlighting the perilous conditions in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Trincomalee via Kankesanthurai. Accordingly, both naval and fishing communities are strongly advised not to venture out into these sea areas until further notice.
For those engaged in activities in other sea areas around the island, vigilance is recommended, and they are urged to pay close attention to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology.
