The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) has extended the yellow alert issued to tge northernmost atolls.

While the first alert over Haa Alifu to Kaafu atoll was issued from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm on Friday, it was later extended till 8 pm.

According to MET Office, torrential rain with average strong winds of 30 to 35 mph are expected over the region, with gust winds at 55 mph.

MET Office advises sea travelers 'to take extra precaution against strong winds and rough seas'.

While the tropical depression that had formed near Sri Lanka turned to a storm on Thursday, its Department of Meteorology had issued three red alerts on Thursday.

However, earlier on Friday, the Maldives Embassy in Sri Lanka noted that Cyclone Ockhi was 'moving further away' from Colombo, and that 'its effects on Sri Lanka are expected to lessen gradually'. It added that showers and thunderstorms will continue over Colombo.