Cyclone Michaung likely to intensify & reach South Andhra & adjoining North Tamilnadu coasts

The cyclonic storm continues to move north northwestwards with a speed of 14 kmph according to the Regional weather department. As per the latest bulletin by the Centre, the cyclone is 130 km east of Chennai. 

It continues to intensify further and reach the West Central Bay of Bengal off South Andhra Pradesh and adjoining North Tamilnadu coasts in the forenoon today. It is likely to make landfall as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum wind speed of 90 to 100 kmph gusting up to 110 kmph.

Chennai, Chengalpet and Thiruvallur districts of Tamilnadu have been witnessing heavy to very heavy rainfall since yesterday. Avadi witnessed the maximum rainfall upto 28 cms. Life has come to a standstill for Chennaiites as there are messages from the SDMA and NDMA"s advisory asking people not to venture outside except



for essentials. 

Roads are wearing a deserted look since the winds are fierce pushing down the trees on the road. Since metro stations in many areas are to be cleared. Train services have also been hit in and around Chennai. The Airports Authority has cancelled 23 flights from Chennai and have postponed 32 flight services.

Southern Railway has also cancelled train services passing through Andhra Pradesh. Reservoirs supplying water to Chennai are full to their maximum capacity and surplus water are let out. Lakes and tanks inside the city are also filled up to the brim. District administrations are on full gear monitoring and attending to emergencies with district control rooms and the State Monitoring Centre is maintaining vigil.