Sri Lanka, Oct. 27 -- Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Arnab' over the west-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm, with heavy showers and strong winds expected in several parts of Sri Lanka today (27), the Meteorology Department said.

The storm was centred at 2.30 a.m. today near latitude 15.9N and longitude 85.4E, about 890 kilometres northeast of Kankesanthurai.

The system is expected to continue moving west-northwestwards until 5.30 p.m. today before turning northwestwards. It is forecast to cross the Indian coast through Andhra Pradesh as a very severe cyclonic storm by 11.30 a.m. tomorrow (28).

Although the storm is not expected to have a direct impact on Sri Lanka, the southwestern parts of the island are...