Sri Lanka, Oct. 27 -- The Department of Meteorology says Cyclone Ornab, currently over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm tomorrow and a very severe cyclonic storm by the following day.

The system is forecast to make landfall in India along the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. However, its indirect effects are expected to bring heavy rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres to several provinces in Sri Lanka.

The highest rainfall during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 this morning was recorded at Karandipowal in Puttalam, which received 195.7 millimetres. Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds affected several parts of the island today due to the system.

Meanwhile, rising river levels have raised conc...