After remaining in a state of confusion and keeping the meteorologists on tenterhooks, the deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm. Of course, it is the lowest grade and intensity of tropical storms. The storm is centred very close to the North Tamil Nadu coast, less than 100km east abeam Puducherry and Southeast of Chennai by a similar distance. The cyclone will nearly move westward and cross Tamil Nadu coast, close to Mahabalipuram during late afternoon or early evening hours today. The landfall process will start anytime soon and may take a few hours to complete.
Chennai has already received very heavy rain and thundershowers today. These will continue for the next about 12 hours. Heavy rainfall is likely over Cuddalore, Karaikal, Puducherry, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Tambaram and Chennai. Very strong winds and incessant rains have devastating potential. It will impact the rail, road and air operations as well.
Even, after crossing the coast, the weather activity will continue over the interiors of Tamil Nadu, South coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, South Interior Karnataka and Kerala for the next 48 hours. A broad clearance can be expected only on 03rd Dec or later. The system after weakening is likely to move westward and enter the Arabian Sea as low pressure, off the Kerala coast.
