Sri Lanka warns of rough seas, heavy rain as Cyclonic Storm Arnab intensifies

A motorcyclist rides along a street during heavy rainfall in Colombo on October 26, 2026. Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology issued a red warning on Monday for strong winds and rough seas in the Bay of Bengal as Cyclonic Storm Arnab intensified, while heavy rainfall continued across several parts of the country. — AFP pic

First Published: Monday, 26 Oct 2026 6:36 PM MYT

COLOMBO, Oct 26 — Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology issued a red warning on Monday for strong winds and rough seas in the Bay of Bengal as Cyclonic Storm Arnab intensified, while heavy rainfall continued across several parts of the country, reported Xinhua.

The department warned that wind speeds could reach 80 to 100 km per hour in affected sea areas, with waves rising to between 3 and 4 metres. Heavy thundershowers and very rough sea conditions are also expected.

Fishing and naval vessels have been advised to avoid waters between latitudes 10 degrees north and 20 degrees north and longitudes 80 degrees east and 95 degrees east until further notice. Vessels already operating in these areas have been instructed to move away.

Sri Lanka’s National Building Research Institute and Irrigation Department have respectively issued early warnings for landslides and minor floods in certain regions.

The storm, which developed from a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, was centred near latitude 15.4 degrees north and longitude 88.9 degrees east at 5.30am local time on Monday.

It is forecast to move west-northwestward and strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm later on Monday before intensifying further into a very severe cyclonic storm on Tuesday.

The weather system is indirectly affecting Sri Lanka, with heavy rainfall forecast in the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, North Western, Central and Southern provinces, as well as Anuradhapura District.

During the preceding 24 hours, the highest rainfall of 195.7 mm was recorded in Karandipowal in Puttalam District, followed by 193 mm in Kuliyapitiya and 187.5 mm in Illuppaaikkadavai, the department said. — Bernama-Xinhua