Chennai faces the outcome of Thane, a very severe cyclonic storm

The very severe cyclonic storm ‘Thane” over southwest Bay of Bengal moved further westward and crossed north Tamil Nadu coast between Cuddalore and Puducherry between 0630 and 0730 hrs on Friday, the Indian Meteorological Department said.

It then continued to move westwards and weakened into a severe cyclonic storm and lay centered at 0830 on Friday, 30 Km west of Cuddalore and 35 Km southwest of Puducherry.

According to IMD’s latest cyclone update (09.30 a.m.), the system is likely to move westwards and weaken further.

Under the influence of this system, rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places would occur over north coastal Tamil Nadu & Puducherry during next 12 hours and over north interior Tamil Nadu during next 24 hours. Rainfall at many places with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall would occur over south coastal Andhra Pradesh during next 12 hours and over Rayalseema, north Kerala and south Karnataka during next 24 hours.

Gale winds speed reaching 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph is likely along and off north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts and adjoining areas of north interior Tamil Nadu during next 3 hours and then decrease gradually.

Sea condition is very high along and off north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts.

Fishermen along north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & south Andhra Pradesh coasts are advised not to venture into sea during next 12 hrs.

The maximum gale wind speed of 120-140 kmph has been reported over Puducherry and Cuddalore observatories of IMD. .

Extensive damage to thatched roof and huts and minor damage to power and communication line due to uprooting of large avenue trees are expected in north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coastal area. The storm is expected to damage the standing rice, groundnut and maize in districts of north Tamilnadu .

Fishermen along northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts were advised total suspension of fishing operations.

Hutment dwellers are asked to be moved to safer place. People in affected areas are advisded to remain indoors, the IMD’s latest cyclone warning release said.