Southern Tamil Nadu will witness heavy rains for the next 24 hours, said the Regional Meteorological Department with a deep depression lying about 170km southeast of Kanyakumari, over the Comorin area. IMD forecast heavy rains in districts such as Kanyakumari, Thiruvarur, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Madurai and Dindigul.
Following the Met Department’s prediction, collectors of Thiruvarur, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Pudukottai districts declared a school holiday on Thursday.
The Met Department is, however, yet to classify the deep depression into a cyclone, stating that they are keeping a close watch on the system and would alert residents accordingly.
However, the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Agency tweeted, issued a warning stating, “The system is very likely to move west-northernwards and intensify further into a cyclonic storm during next 12 hours.”
TNSDMA went on to say, “Under its influence, squally weather with wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph very likely along and off Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai coasts.”
Noting that the sea condition will be rough to very rough, TNSDMA also advised fishermen in Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai not to venture into the sea.
Depression over Comorin area intensifies into deep depression.Likely to form into a cyclonic storm during next 12 hours. #Kanyakumari, #Tuticorin #Ramanathpuram fishermen advised not to venture into Sea. See attachment for more details. pic.twitter.com/A3LrCGF2aR
— TN SDMA (@tnsdma) November 30, 2017
The state disaster management agency also tweeted to say that around 50 trees had fallen in Kanyakumari after witnessing heavy gusts of winds since Wednesday night. The district has also received 34mm rainfall.
In #Kanyakumari District Since night heavy winds and till now 34 mm average rainfall received. Reports that 50 trees have fallen on road and trees removal is under progress. At 2 locations mobile towers have fallen. District administration under DDMA/Collr is actively responding
— TN SDMA (@tnsdma) November 30, 2017
Meanwhile, the Met department has also predicted moderate to heavy rains in Chennai for the next 24 hours.
Weather blogger, Tamil Nadu Weatherman stated that Chennai would receive spells of rains through out Thursday.
“More and more spells of on and off rains are expected throughout the day and some spells will be heavy at times. But all will happen with breaks. Chennai Meenambakkam has got 60 mm till now, Madhvaram 40 mm, Chennai City 32 mm, Shoillnganallur 31 mm, Katupakkam 30 mm,” stated Tamil Nadu Weatherman.