The deep depression over South-West Bay of Bengal has intensified in to the Cyclonic storm”PHETHAI” and located near latitude 11.0N, Longitude 84.7E at 01.30 a.m. on 16thDecember 2018 approximately 465 km east-northeast of Trincomalee.
The system is very likely to move north-northwestwards and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours. The system is likely to move away from the country.
Fishermen are advised not to venture into the deep and shallow sea areas off the coast extending from Batticaloa to Kankasanturai via Trincomalee today. Naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive further about advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.
Several spells of showers in the Northern Province. Mainly fair weather can be expected over elsewhere in the island.
Wind speed can increase up to 60kmph in the Northern Province and fairly strong gusty winds at time up to 50 kmph can be expected over elsewhere of the island.
Fairly cold weather can also be expected over the island.
