Rainfall above 100 mm forecast in several areas

Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology forecast showers or thundershowers in many parts of the island after 1 p.m. on October 17. It said some locations in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Central provinces, as well as parts of Trincomalee and Mullaitivu districts, could receive more than 75 mm of rain. Newsfirst also reported that heavy showers above that threshold were possible in parts of Kurunegala district.

The Daily Mirror reported that rainfall could exceed 100 mm in some areas of the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Matara, Galle and Puttalam districts. The forecast also included possible morning rain in coastal parts of the Western Province and in Galle, Puttalam, Mannar and Jaffna districts. Early-morning mist was possible in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces.

The Meteorology Department issued a severe lightning advisory. Newswire reported that it included red alerts for 16 districts and amber alerts for nine, and was due to remain in force until 11.30 p.m. The department warned that thunderstorms could bring temporary, localised strong winds. It advised people to shelter indoors, avoid open areas and water, and not use wired phones or electrical appliances connected to the mains during storms. It also cautioned against travel in exposed vehicles such as bicycles, tractors and boats, and urged care around fallen trees and power lines.

Lankadeepa and Newsfirst reported that the National Building Research Organisation had issued or continued landslide warnings for eight districts because of heavy rain. The reports did not identify the districts. Newswire said people needing help in an emergency should contact local disaster-management authorities.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.