Chennai: A severe cyclone named Gaja is all set to hit the TamilnNadu coast between Karaikal and Cuddalore this Wednesday, weather forecasters have said. Heavy rains are predicted in variuous parts of Tamilnadu and red alert has been sounded in Puchucherry and Tamilnadu.
Certain areas in Chennai are likely to experience light rain for the next 48 hours. The cyclone, as of 8:30 am on Sunday, was about 925 km northeast of Chennai.
Northern coastal Tamilnadu, Puducherry and southern coastal Andhra Pradesh will experience moderate rains, with some places experiencing very heavy rains from Wednesday evening.
According to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the cyclonic depression currently centered about 140 km west northwest of Port Blair (Andaman Islands) is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm in the next 24 hrs. The report said the newly formed cyclone Gaja was moving toward Tamilnadu at the speed of 12 kmph.
Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea in certain areas between 10 and 13 November. The Indian Meteorological Department has put out a “special weather warning” to the fishermen listing out the areas to avoid and has also asked the fishermen in deep sea to return to land by Wednesday. It’s the turn of Sri Lanka to name this cyclone and it gave the name as “Gaja”.
Maximum sustained wind speed within 54 km of the cyclone centre is about 62 kph rising to 88 kph in gusts/squalls. The sea will remain very rough near the cyclone centre.
All fishing boats and trawlers have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice.
They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea. Earlier on 11 October, cyclonic storm “Titli” made landfall on the eastern Indian state of Odisha.
According to the Met officials, Chennai will remain cloudy. ‘In the next 24 hours, cityās sky condition is likely to be generally cloudy. Light rain is likely to occur in some areas.’