30 Jan 2023 | 11:56 AM UTC
Sri Lanka: Severe weather forecast across much of the country through at least Feb. 1
Severe weather forecast across much of Sri Lanka through at least Feb. 1. Possible business, transport, and utility disruptions.
Event
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast across much of Sri Lanka through at least Feb. 1. A well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal is forecast to move west-northwestward towards the eastern coast of Sri Lanka and bring deteriorating weather conditions across the island Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Showers and thunderstorms are forecast in Northern, Eastern, North-Central and Uva provinces, as well as Matale District in Central Province, Jan. 31. Isolated showers and storms are expected across the rest of Sri Lanka late Jan. 31. Heavy showers are likely across much of the island Feb. 1, with rainfall totals of around 15 cm (6 inches) possible in Eastern, Uva and Central provinces and Polonnaruwa District in North-Central Province, as well as totals of more than 10 cm (4 inches) in North-Western and Northern provinces and Anuradhapura District in North-Central Province.
Strong winds and rough seas are also expected along the coasts of Sri Lanka from late Jan. 30 through Feb. 1. The Sri Lankan Department of Meteorology has issued an amber Strong Winds and Rough Seas Advisory (the middle level on a three-tier scale), warning of winds gusting up to 55-70 kph (34-43 mph) and waves of around 2.5-3 meters (8-10 feet) for coastal areas. Under the advisory, red warnings (level four on a five-tier scale) are in place off the coast extending from Pottuvil to Mannar via Batticaloa, Trincomalee, and Kankasanthurai late Jan. 30-late Jan. 31, with orange and yellow warnings in place for other coastal areas. Red warnings are in place for all coastal areas late Jan. 31-late Feb. 1. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the country. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
