Chennai: Heavy rains coupled with squally winds today lashed the northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, as very severe cyclonic storm 'Vardah' was expected to make landfall this afternoon.
Vardah lay 220 kilometre east-northeast of Chennai and 290 kilometre east-southeast of Nellore, the Meteorological office said.
"The system is very likely to move nearly westwards and weaken gradually while moving towards north Tamil Nadu and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts," the office said.
"It is very likely to cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts, close to Chennai as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 80 to 90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph by 12th December 2016 afternoon," it said.
Heavy rains lashed Chennai, Tiruvallore and Kancheepuram districts since early morning even as squally winds were witnessed in these districts. Power supply was suspended in many parts of these regions as a precautionary measure.
The armed forces have been asked to be on standby with the army, navy and air force prepared to be deployed anytime as and when required.
People in low-lying areas have been asked to move to safer zones even as various arms of the government were prepared to meet any eventuality.
Flight operations were hit at Chennai airport. According to reports, 15 flights were cancelled, 25 flights were diverted; 9 incoming flights delayed.
Vardah lay 220 kilometre east-northeast of Chennai and 290 kilometre east-southeast of Nellore, the Meteorological office said.
"The system is very likely to move nearly westwards and weaken gradually while moving towards north Tamil Nadu and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts," the office said.
Heavy rains lashed Chennai, Tiruvallore and Kancheepuram districts since early morning even as squally winds were witnessed in these districts. Power supply was suspended in many parts of these regions as a precautionary measure.
Advertisement
People in low-lying areas have been asked to move to safer zones even as various arms of the government were prepared to meet any eventuality.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Rains Lash Chennai, Flight Services Affected Heavy Rain In Chennai Causes Traffic Jams, More Showers Expected Ahead Cyclone Mandous Starts To Weaken: Weather Office 9 Dead, 2,800 Hurt As Pagers Explode Across Lebanon, Hezbollah Blames Israel 3 Grams Of Explosives Per Pager: Israel's Complex Op To Hurt Hezbollah "Wear Proper Undergarments": Delta Airlines' New Memo For Flight Attendants New XEC Covid Variant Spreads To 27 Countries, Here's What We Know So Far "Only Consequential Presidents Get Shot At": Trump After Assassination Bid Israel On Alert As Hezbollah Vows Retaliation Over Pager Attacks In Lebanon Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.