Deep depression turns into cyclone

Visakhapatnam, Apr 28: The deep depression over Southeast and adjoining Southwest of the Bay of Bengal since yesterday has moved in a Northwest direction and intensified into a severe cyclonic storm 'NARGIS'.

The Nargis lays centered over Southwest and adjoining west central Bay of Bengal, about 550 km east of Chennai, according to the weather office here today.

The cyclone moving in a Northwest direction is likely to intensify further and under its influence squally winds with speed reaching 45 to 55 kmph are likely along and off the coast of Andhra Pradesh during the next 24 hours.

Rainfall was likely to occur at few places in southcoastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions during the same period.

The sea will be rough to normal and fishermen have been warned not to venture into sea.

Cautionary signal number three has been hoisted in Visakhapatnam, Bhimunipatnam, Machilipatnam, Krishnapatnam, Vaadarevu, Nizampatnam and Kakinada Ports.

UNI