Severe cyclonic storm lay centered in East of Chennai

Visakhapatnam, Apr 29 (UNI) Deep depression over Southeast and adjoining Southwest and West Central bay yesterday, has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm 'NARGIS,' and lay centered 550 km East of Chennai today.

A weather bulletin issued by the Cyclone Warning Centre (CWC) here said the system is likely to intensify further and move slowly in a northwesterly direction.

Under its influence, rain or thundershowers are likely at a few places over coastal Andhra Pradesh during the next 24 hours.

Squally winds with speed reaching 45 to 55 kmph are likely along the coastal areas of Nellore, Chittoor, Prakasam, Guntur, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts of Andhra Pradesh during the next 24 hours.

The sea would be rough to very rough along coastal Andhra Pradesh. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea.

Cautionary signal number three has been hoisted at Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Nizampatnam, Krishnapatnam, Vadarevu, Bheemunipatnam and Kalingapatnam ports.

UNI BSR ROY HS HT1127