Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology has warned that the cyclonic storm YAAS will become “very severe” over the next 24 hours with wind speeds up to 60-70 kph. Western and Sabaragamua provinces and in the Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts are expected to remain most affected by the storm.

Rainfall exceeding 150mm is also expected as a result of the cyclone, the meteorology department warned. Yaas is very likely to move north-northwestwards towards the West Bengal coasts by the evening of May 26, reads a statement released by the department.

Wind speeds can go up to 50-60kmph and up to 70kmph in the Western slope of the central hills and the Northern, North Central, North Western, and Uva provinces and in the Kegalle, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Trincomalee, and Hambantota district in Sri Lanka

Authorities have asked people to take all precautions and minimize risks. The sea area around the island will be very rough at times, the met department further said, forecasting temporary, strong gusty winds and very rough seas during thundershowers.

(SAM)