Cyclonic storm lashes coasts of Tamil Nadu, south Andhra

November 12, 2018

Weather authorities have warned that the cyclonic storm Gaja over the Bay of Bengal is likely to become severe and hit the coast along northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh by late Monday

The deep depression over southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 12 kmph in the past six hours and intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Gaja' and lay centred over east-central and adjoining west-central and southeast Bay of Bengal. - India Meteorological Department (IMD)

Gaja is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm move west-northwest during next 36 hrs and west-southwest towards north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh in the subsequent 48 hours.

Fishermen in Tamil Nadu have been told to avoid fishing in the south-east of the Bay of Bengal on Monday. Fishermen in Andhra Pradesh have also been warned against going into the sea as conditions are likely to worsen from Tuesday evening.

Fishermen who are in the deep sea have been told to return to coast.