In a special notice issued today (26), Director General of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Susantha Kahawatta confirmed that a depression in the Bay of Bengal had intensified into a cyclonic storm named Arnab.
According to the latest advisory issued by the Department of Meteorology, the storm is currently located near latitude 15° 04′ North and longitude 088° 09′ East.
The storm is expected to intensify further as it moves northwestward, with a greater tendency to shift towards the west.
The Fisheries Department warned that sea areas north of latitude 10° North could experience wind speeds of 100 km/h or higher at times due to the cyclone’s influence.
Fishing vessels operating in the affected waters have been strongly advised to maintain a safe distance from the storm’s centre and avoid its expected path.
The Department also cautioned that sea conditions around Sri Lanka could become rough under the influence of the developing weather system.
Director General Kahawatta called on the fishing community to remain alert and closely monitor weather updates and advisories issued by the relevant authorities to ensure their safety.
