The Department of Meteorology has issued an amber-level advisory for severe lightning in 17 districts, including Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara, valid from 1.00 p.m. on Saturday until 1.00 a.m. on Sunday.
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre said thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely during the afternoon and night. Strong winds and heavy rainfall may also occur.
The advisory covers all Divisional Secretariat divisions in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Hambantota, Matara, Kandy, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Mannar, Monaragala and Vavuniya.
Several areas in Anuradhapura, Ampara, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Polonnaruwa districts are also included.
The Department classified the advisory as having a high likelihood of occurrence and a medium potential impact. It said severe lightning could cause serious injury or death to people outdoors, and that thunderstorms could disrupt outdoor activities, transport, electricity and communication services. A further weather update is scheduled for 6.00 p.m.
Background
The warning follows heavy rain in the capital on Friday evening. The Department of Meteorology said Colombo received 129mm within a few hours, and several roads flooded during the evening rush hour.
Director General of Meteorology Ajith Wijemanna said the Intertropical Convergence Zone, where winds from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet, and the second inter-monsoon conditions created favourable conditions for intense afternoon thunderstorms. The Disaster Management Centre recorded 146.6mm in Thimbirigasyaya in the 12 hours ending at 6.00 a.m. on Saturday, the highest reading in its report for the whole country.
Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar has said the city’s drainage system was designed for about 30mm of rain. Balthazaar held talks on Saturday with government institutions on drainage, canals and road infrastructure.
What it means
The Department advised the public to seek shelter inside secure buildings or enclosed vehicles during thunderstorms. It urged people to stay away from open areas, isolated trees, beaches, lakes and other water bodies.
It also advised people to avoid using electrical appliances and wired electrical systems while lightning is active, and to postpone outdoor sporting events, construction work and other outdoor activities when thunderstorms approach.
Because the advisory covers a large part of the country, travellers, outdoor workers and people in flood-prone areas of Colombo may be affected during the evening and night. Updates are published by the Department of Meteorology.
