Cyclone Gaja advances, likely to turn severe, says IMD

As cyclonic storm Gaja has moved further, the administrations in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are on alert with both advising fishermen against venturing into the sea for the next 24 hours as the conditions are expected to deteriorate and get rough.

The cyclonic storm Gaja has moved further in towards coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and is likely intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours and cross the coast between Nagappattinam and Chennai , the weatherman has warned.

The cyclonic storm Gaja has moved further in towards coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and is likely intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours(Representative Image/AP File Photo)

It now lies at about 820 km east northeast of Nagapattinam and is expected to make landfall during the forenoon on Novemebr 15.

“Sea will be very rough, fishermen are advised not to venture in the sea till Nov 15,” India Meteorological Department (IMD) Chennai, said.

They have also warned of medium to heavy rainfall in north coastal Tamil Nadu and adjoining south coastal Andhra Pradesh from the evening of November 14. Rainfall intensity is likely to increase gradually thereafter.

Gale wind speed reaching 70-80 kmph is also likely from the morning of November 13 and the speed is likely to increase to 80-90 kmph off north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts from November 14.

The administrations in the two states are on alert with both advising fishermen against venturing into the sea for the next 24 hours as the conditions are expected to deteriorate and get rough.