Cyclone Arnab: Over 10,500 affected, one dead as severe weather hits 12 districts

Daily Mirror reports that the Disaster Management Centre recorded adverse-weather impacts on more than 10,500 people from 2,736 families across 12 districts. The centre also reported one death and partial damage to 215 houses.

EconomyNext, Newswire, Rupavahini News and Sri Lanka Mirror report that a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal strengthened into Cyclone Arnab. Newswire says it was about 1,100 kilometres northeast of Kankasanthurai at 8:30 a.m. on October 26. Sri Lanka Mirror gives an earlier position, at 5:30 a.m., of 15.4°N, 88.9°E.

EconomyNext reports that Arnab was expected to strengthen further and travel toward India for landfall on October 28. Newswire forecasts severe-cyclone strength by the evening of October 26, further development to very severe strength on October 27, and landfall on Andhra Pradesh’s coast at about 11:30 a.m. on October 28. Sri Lanka Mirror also reports expected intensification on October 26 and 27.

EconomyNext and Newswire report that the storm was not forecast to strike Sri Lanka directly, but that its circulation could still affect the island’s weather. EconomyNext forecasts heavier rain in the Southern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and parts of the North Western Province, with totals above 100 mm possible in some places on October 26 and 27. Newswire forecasts showers in several provinces and Trincomalee District, with more than 75 mm possible in some areas. It also forecasts winds of 40–50 km/h in named hill-slope, northern and northwestern areas and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts, and says people were advised to take care during thunderstorms because of lightning and temporary gusts. Ada Derana (தமிழ்) reports a chance of heavy rain through October 28, with a forecast of 150 mm. Ada Derana’s headline says Karandipowal recorded 195.7 mm, without fu…

EconomyNext, Rupavahini News and Sri Lanka Mirror report warnings for fishing and naval communities in waters between 10°N and 20°N and 80°E and 95°E. They say winds could reach 80–100 km/h, waves could rise to about 3–4 metres, and conditions could become very rough. The communities were advised not to enter the area; those already operating there were told to move away and follow later forecasts. Rupavahini News reports that the warning was issued at 9:30 a.m. on October 26 and applied for 12 hours.