Cyclonic storm 'Nargis' intensifies

Visakhapatnam, Apr 30 (UNI) The cyclonic storm 'NARGIS' has intensified into very severe storm over the West Central and adjoining Southwest and Southeast Bay of Bengal.

Cyclone Warning Centre (CWC), in a bulletin issued here said the storm today moved slightly northwards and lay centered at about 550 km East-Northeast of Chennai.

It is likely to itensify further and move slowly in a northerly direction. Under its influence, rain or thundershowers are likely at a few places in north coastal Andhra Pradesh and one or two places in south coastal parts of the state during the next 24 hours.

Squally winds with speed reaching 45 to 55 kmph are likeky to occur along the coastal districts of the state during the same period.

The sea would be rough to very rough along the coastal areas.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.

Cautionary signal number three has been hoisted at Krishnapatnam, Vaaderevu, Nizampatnam, Machilipantam, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Bheemunipatnam and Kalingapatnam ports, the bulletin added.

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