The Severe Cyclonic storm ”AMPHAN” ( pronounced as UM-PUN) further intensified into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm and lay centred over Central part of South Bay of Bengal and neighborhood, at 02.30 a.m. of 18th May near latitude 12.9°N and longitude 86.9°E, about 740 km North-east of Trincomalee. It is very likely intensify into an Extremely Severe Cyclonic storm during next 06 hours and likely to move north-northeastwards towards west Bengal coast during 20th May.
Due to the influence of the system the prevailing showery condition over the island particularly in the south-western part is likely to continue further. Very heavy showers above 150mm are likely at some places. Wind speed can be increased up to (50-60) kmph at times over the island. Cloudy skies can be expected over the island.
Showers or thundershowers will occur in Southern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces with isolated very heavy showers exceeding 150mm.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces and Mannar District.
General public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity during thundershowers.