Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm forecast in several areas

Daily Mirror reports that the Meteorology Department expects rainfall above 100 mm in some locations in the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North Western and Central provinces, and in Anuradhapura District. Ada Derana headlines also anticipate heavy showers in parts of the island, while Hiru News reports warnings of continuing downpours, totals over 100 mm and stronger winds.

Newswire reports that the Department of Meteorology’s Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre assigned red-level severe-lightning alerts to Ampara and Batticaloa and amber-level advisories to the other 23 districts. Newswire says the notice was released at 11.30 a.m. on the 27th and was scheduled to expire at 11.30 p.m. Newsfirst reports a severe-lightning warning for Uva Province, Ampara and Batticaloa; Ada Derana’s Tamil-language report also names those areas.

Newswire reports that thunderstorms with intense lightning were possible in parts of Ampara and Batticaloa, with brief, localised strong winds also possible during storms. Newswire says the department advised the public to go indoors, keep clear of trees and exposed places such as fields and water, and avoid wired phones, electrical equipment connected to power and open vehicles. The department also urged people to watch for fallen trees and power lines and contact local disaster-management officials in an emergency.