Cyclonic storm "NISHA" crosses Tamilnadu coast near Karaikal

The cyclonic storm "NISHA" over southwest Bay of Bengal moved slightly northwestwards and lay centred at 0530 hours IST of today, the 27th November 2008, very close to Tamil Nadu & Puducherry coast to the north of Karaikal. Latest observations indicate that the system crossed the coast close to the north of Karaikal between 0530 and 0630 hours IST and lay centred at 0730 hours IST over coastal Tamil Nadu & Puducherry close to the northwest of Karaikal. The system is likely to move in a northwesterly direction and weaken gradually.

Under its influence, rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places and isolated extremely heavy falls (>25 cm) is likely over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during next 24 hours. Rainfall at many places with isolated heavy to very heavy falls is also likely over Kerala, south interior Karnataka and Lakshadweep during the same period.

Gale winds speed reaching 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph are likely along and off Tamil Nadu & Puducherry coasts during next 12 hours. Sea condition is high along and off these coasts.

Damages are expected to thatched huts, breaking of tree branches causing minor damages to power and communication lines in the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea during next 24 hours.

Source : India Meteorological Department

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