The cyclonic storm “Mocha” over the Southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, the Department of Meteorology stated.
The department said it is very likely to move northwards and gradually intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm during the next 06 hours over the central Bay of Bengal.
Thereafter, it is likely to recurve gradually and move north-northeastwards with further intensification.
The system is likely to cross southeast Bangladesh and north Myanmar coasts around noon on Sunday, 14th May.
The Naval and multi-day fishing communities are advised not to venture into the sea areas bounded by 03N – 20N and between 85E – 100E until further notice.
The Naval and fishing communities are requested to be vigilant while engaging in naval and fishing activities in the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Matara and Hambantota and in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Puttalam, Mannar, Kankasanthurai and Mullaitivu.
The department further stated that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas around the island.
Winds will be south-westerly over the sea area around the island and the speed will be 30-40 kmph. Wind speed may increase up to 55-60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Matara and Hambantota and in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Puttalam, Mannar, Kankasanthurai and Mullaitivu.
The sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Matara and Hambantota and sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Puttalam, Mannar, Kankasanthurai and Mullaitivu will be rough. The other sea areas around the island will be fairly rough.
Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers. (NewsWire)