The Meteorology Department said the cyclonic storm ‘FANI’ (pronounced as FONI) over southeast Bay of Bengal to the east of Sri Lanka was located about 580 km east of Batticaloa.
“It is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during next 12 hours and further intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm in the subsequent 24 hours.
The cyclone is very likely to move northwestwards off the east coast till 1st May and thereafter curve northeastwards gradually.
“Cloudy skies, strong winds and showery conditions are expected over the island during next few days,” a statement said.
Heavy rains can resul in floods and landslides that could disrupt transport and cultivation.
Strong winds up to 60 km/h can be expected over the island particularly in Central hilly areas, Northern, North central, North-Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee and Ampara districts.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times over most parts of the island.
“Very heavy falls above 150 mm can be expected at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Western and North-western provinces and in Mannar district and also heavy falls about 100 mm also likely at some places elsewhere.”