Sri Lanka issues thunderstorm warning with local rainfall above 100mm possible

The Meteorology Department issued an amber warning for severe lightning and thunderstorms on November 11, valid from 1pm that day until 1am on November 12, Sri Lanka time.

Rainfall above 100mm was forecast at some locations in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and Uva provinces. Temporary gusts of 60-70km/h and very rough sea conditions were also possible during thunderstorms.

People were advised to avoid exposed outdoor activities, open fields, beaches, hilltops and water bodies when storms approach and to follow flood and landslide warnings. This short-term alert is distinct from the developing Bay of Bengal forecast for later in the month.