Nellore/Visakhapatnam:
The very severe cyclonic storm Thane changed its direction and is likely to make a landfall near Chennai on Friday morning. Though it will have very small impact on other parts of Andhra Pradesh, a threat of heavy rain looms large over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Chittoor, Nellore and Prakasam districts over the next 48 hours.
Thane cyclone lay centred at about 180 km east of Puducherry and 180 km southeast of Chennai.
Due to the impact of Thane, squally winds at a speed of 55 to 65 kmph and cold waves continue to hinder normal life in the entire coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at most places over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema regions over the next 48 hours. High velocity winds were reported from eastern areas and intermittent rains occured at Tirupati, Srikalahasti and surrounding areas.
The sea is turbulent and at some places, it moved forward by several meters, making people panicky. Third level danger warning was hoisted at most of the ports, particularly Krishnapatnam, on Thursday against the second level alarm raised earlier. The storm is expected to cause crop third level in south coastal Andhra Pradesh. The wind speed is expected to increase to 110120 kmph, gusting even at 135 kmph, along and off the South Andhra coast, Met officials said.
In Nellore, ministers Anam Ramanarayana Reddy and P Satyanarayana, who are monitoring the situation, said as for now, the cyclone is not making a landfall in the district but they still would be monitoring the situation closely.