Rough sea conditions expected islandwide coastal areas

The Department of Meteorology issued a red alert warning for strong winds and rough seas, effective until 10:30 a.m. tomorrow (12).

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre noted that sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar will experience very rough conditions at times. Strong gusty winds reaching up to 60-70 kmph are expected in these regions, and naval and fishing communities are strongly advised not to venture into these sea areas until further notice.

Furthermore, sea areas extending from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaitivu, as well as from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota, will turn rough at times with gusty winds up to 50-60 kmph. Wave heights may also increase by about 2.0 to 2.5 meters in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota.

The department requested that the naval and fishing communities remain attentive to future forecasts issued in this regard.

Sea Condition Scale Reference

• Calm: 0-5 kmph


• Smooth: 5-15 kmph


• Slight: 16-28 kmph


• Moderate: 29-37 kmph


• Fairly Rough: 38-46 kmph


• Rough: 47-55 kmph


• Very Rough: 56-74 kmph


• High: 75-102 kmph


• Very High: More than 103 kmph