The deep depression over Southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclone, keeping up with the forecast of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone, named Gaja, is currently situated around 930 kms east of Chennai and is expected to bring heavy rains to the regions in coastal Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking to the reporters on Sunday at the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) office, Chennai, Balachandran, the director of RMC, said that the cyclone will make landfall on November 15 forenoon between Cuddalore and Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
“Because of the cyclone, the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will experience strong winds blowing at 80-90 kmph speed from November 14 night. The seas will also be rough,” he said.
Balachandran also advised fishermen to not venture into the sea from Monday. He also requested those who are in the deep sea for fishing to return to the shore by Monday. RMC also predicted mild showers across northern Tamil Nadu and heavy rainfall in isolated places of north Tamil Nadu from November 14 night. On November 15, most areas in north Tamil Nadu are likely to see mild showers and isolated places in northern Tamil Nadu will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.
“This cyclone could bring showers to southern Tamil Nadu as well,” Balachandran added. He also said that considering the present condition, the cyclone is expected to make landfall as a cyclone, implying that it will not weaken by the time it crosses the coast.
“The cyclone could intensify and when it makes a landfall, it is expected to be as strong as it is now,” he said.
Speaking about the status of rainfall received in the state from Northeast monsoon, he said that Tamil Nadu has received 20 cms of rainfall from October 1 as against the normal rainfall of 26 cms during the period, which is 23% less than the normal rainfall.