Deep depression off TN intensifies into cyclonic storm

Chennai, Nov 24 (PTI) The deep depression over Bay of
Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm, 'Nivar' and it is
likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm and
cross the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts on November 25, the
Met department said on Tuesday.
While intermittent rains lashed several parts of the
state and union territory, the department said rainfall is
very likely at most places in Tamil Nadu, Puduchery and
Karaikal with heavy to very heavy showers at a few places and
extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places on Wednesday.
Authorities said the reservoirs here including
Chembarambakkam were under a 'constant watch' and people in
low lying areas were being brought to safe shelters.
The deep depression over southwest Bay of Bengal moved
west-northwestwards and intensified into a cyclonic storm
'Nivar' and lay about 410 km off Puducherry and 450 km from
here.
The cyclonic storm is very likely to intensify further
into a severe cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours. It is
very likely to move west-northwestwards for next 12 hours and
then move northwestwards.
It is very likely to cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram on November 25
evening as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-
110 km per hour gusting to 120 kmph, a bulletin said.
Gale wind -speed reaching 65-75 kmph and gusting to
85 kmph- is prevailing over southwest Bay of Bengal.
Sea condition is rough to very rough along the coasts of
the state and union territory and tidal wave of about one
meter height is very likely to inundate the low lying areas of
north coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Fishermen have already been advised against venturing
into sea. PTI VGN
ROH ROH

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)