Andhra, Tamil Nadu brace for Cyclone Jal

Hyderabad/Chennai, Nov 6: The depression over Bay of Bengal which has evolved into a threatening cyclonic storm, now christened Cyclone Jal, is set to hit Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu on Saturday, Nov 6.

"The Severe cyclonic storm, 'JAL" moved westwards, and lay centered over south west Bay of Bengal at 0530 hrs IST of 6th November 2010, near lat.10.00N and long. 85.50E about 500 km east northeast of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), 650 km east-southeast of Chennai and 750 km southeast of Nellore" said Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

"It would intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm. The system would move west-northwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts between Puducherry and Nellore close to Chennai by 7th November 2010 night," the cyclone warning posted on the IMD website added.

Heavy rainfall with 60 kms per hour winds is expected to lash the coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and Tamil Nadu.

Cyclone JAL, which is expected to cross the east coast by Sunday, Nov 7, has also been moving along the eastern and northern coasts of Sri Lanka.

If the cyclone continues to move on the same path, Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is expected to be worst hit. In Andhra, Nellore and Prakasam districts are on the high alert.

Schools in the two districts will remain closed on Saturday, Nov 6 in view of the adverse weather conditions and fishermen have been advised not to venture out to the sea as the waters would be extremely rough.

As to the damage expected, the IMD predicted, "Extensive damage to thatched roofs and huts. Minor damage to power and communication lines due to uprooting of large avenue trees. Flooding of escape routes."

OneIndia News