Met Department has upgraded the tropical depression near Sri Lanka to a storm, now title Cyclone Ochki.

While the Maldives is not in the direct trajectory, it is expected that strong winds and rain will be experienced across the nation.

As such, the Met Department had issued a yellow alert for atoll from Haa Alif to Kaafu Atolls from 3pm to 7pm on Thursday. Torrential rain and thunderstorms with winds gusting to a speed of 55 mph are expected during this period.

National carrier Maldivian had suspended several flights, with some international flights to Sri Lanka cancelled as well.