In its latest update on Tuesday, the Met office said Nivar is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during the next 12 hours and into a very severe cyclonic storm during subsequent 12 hrs.
It is very likely to move west-northwestwards for next 12 hours and then northwestwards and cross the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram, about 55 km from here, around Puducherry tomorrow late evening as a very severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 120-130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph.The met office has forecast extremely heavy rains in eight districts of Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswmi, who reviewed the cyclone preparedness, said a holiday has been declared for all government offices across the State tomorrow.A decision on extending the holiday will be taken depending upon the emerging situation, he said while talking to reporters at the State Disaster ManagementCentre.He said those involved in essential services (like police, fire service and electricity department) will be on duty tomorrow.
Reiterating his appeal to the people not to venutre out of their houses till an announcement is made that the cyclone has crossed the coast, he said thegovernment has declared a holiday for tomorrow to ensure that people remaine indoors when the cyclone crosses the coast.He said depending upon the rains, surplus water from Chembarambakkam reservoir, one of the main drinking water sources of the city, will be released as the reservoir is filling up fast and the water is inching towards its maximun level of 23 ft.
Meanwhile, heavy rains, accompanied by gusty winds and thunder, lashed Chennai city and suburbs under the influence of the cyclonic storm.Several low lying areas were inundated causing hardship to the people.Meanwhile, heavy rains, accompanied by gusty winds and thunder, lashed Chennai city and suburbs under the influence of the cyclonic storm.
