Cyclonic Storm 'THANE' expected to cross North Tamil Nadu coast on Friday

The cyclonic storm 'THANE' over southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal moved westwards and lay centered at 1130 hrs IST of today, the 28th December 2011 near latitude 12.50N and longitude 85.00E, about 500 km east-southeast of Chennai (Tamilnadu), 600 km northeast of Trincomalee (Srilanka) and 800 km west-northwest of Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Island). The system is likely to move west-northwestwards, intensify further during next 24 hrs and cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts between Cuddalore and Nellore, close to south of Chennai around morning of 30th December 2011. However, as the cyclonic storm will come further close to coast after 24 hours, there is probability of slight weakening before landfall.

Under the influence of this system, rainfall at most places with isolated heavy rainfall is likely to commence over north Tamil Nadu & Puducherry and south coastal Andhra Pradesh from tomorrow the 29th December 2011 onwards. The intensity of rainfall would increase with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places and isolated extremely heavy falls ( 25cm or more) from 29th evening onwards and extend to Rayalseema and north interior Tamil Nadu.

Squally winds speed reaching 45-55 kmph likely to commence along and off north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts from tomorrow morning the 29th December 2011 onwards. The wind speed will increase gradually from 29th night onwards becoming 95-105 kmph gusting to 120 kmph along and off north Tamilnadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast at the time of landfall.

Storm surge of about 1 meter height above the astronomical tide would inundate the low lying areas of Nellore district of south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram and Villupuram districts of north Tamil Nadu at the time of landfall.

Sea condition will be high to very high around the system centre. Sea condition will be rough to very rough along and off north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts from tomorrow onwards becoming high to very high from 29th night onwards.

Fishermen along north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & south Andhra Pradesh coasts are advised not to venture into sea. Those who are out at sea are advised to return to the coast.

Damage expected (over north coastal Tamil Nadu and south coastal Andhra Pradesh): Extensive damage to thatched roof and huts. Minor damage to power and communication line due to uprooting of large avenue trees. Flooding of escape routes.

Action suggested (over north coastal Tamil Nadu and south coastal Andhra Pradesh): Total suspension of fishing operations. Coastal hutment dwellers to be moved to safer place. People in affected areas to remain indoors.

Source : India Meteorological Department

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