Gusty winds and over 100 mm rainfall from several areas in the Southern, Western Provinces and upcountry areas caused extensive damage to public property and obstructed traffic on several main roads and railwaylines, Disaster Management Centre (DMC) sources said.
DMC Assistant Director Pradeep Kodippili said property damage has been reported from the Galle, Matara, Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts due to strong winds.
He requested the residents in the upcountry areas to stand vigilant if the rainfall gets heavier as there may be landslides.
Meteorology Department sources predicted more showers and strong winds over most parts of the island today as well.
The low pressure area in the vicinity of Sri Lanka has developed in to a depression and it is expected to develop further and move away from the island along the southern coast. Hence, heavy rains, strong winds and rough seas can be expected further in the deep and shallow sea areas around the island and heavy rains and strong winds (about 60) kmph over the island, Met. Department sources said.
Very heavy fall (above 150 mm) can be expected at some places in the Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Western Province.
Heavy rainfall (above 100 mm) can be expected at some places elsewhere.
There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by lightning activity.
Meanwhile, the Galle Road from Ambalangoda onwards was temporarily closed last evening due to the road being blocked by falling trees. Train services too came to a temporarily halt on the Southern railway line and the upcountry railway line in the evening due to inclement weather.
Meanwhile, Ceylon Electricity Board sources said they had disconnected power to several areas in the Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Badulla and Colombo districts due to heavy winds and rain.
“The Police had been instructed to be on high alert to assist the public if necessary,” Government sources said.