Bad weather warning

Rasika Somarathna

Two people were killed when they were struck by lightning and more than 100 houses damaged in several areas following heavy rains and winds during the past several days.

An 18-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy were reported killed after being struck by lightning in Nallatarankattuwa, Chilaw on Saturday. More than 30 houses too were damaged in the area, mainly due to heavy winds. Meteorological Department Chief G.B. Samarasinghe yesterday warned the public to be extra vigilant amidst unpredictable weather, during the current inter-monsoon period.

Localized tornadoes too were reported from Horana and Chilaw areas, wreaking extensive damages to property. According to Samarasinghe, the prevailing conditions are expected to intensify during the coming weeks extending up to early May. Samarasinghe identified cotton wool like cloud formations, which has the capacity to spread its wings up to almost 30,000 feet, as directly responsible for the present weather condition.

These clouds could bring in a lot of rain within a short span of time. These clouds could also emit strong drafts, which in turn could result in heavy localised winds and tornadoes, he added.Winds could even reach speeds of 200-300 km per hour.

Samarasinghe quoting global experts, also noted that the weather conditions had deteriorated world over on a continued basis, and the growth of infrastructure meant that the impact of such conditions were more severe. The present weather condition is expected to continue for at least two more weeks, with thundershowers and heavy winds, during afternoon or evening in most parts of the country.

Localized tornadoes reported from Horana and Chilaw areas Prevailing conditions expected to intensify during coming weeks.