Chennai, November 11: Cyclonic storm 'Gaja' is expected to hit the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh this week. The storm is likely to strike the northern coast of Tamil Nadu between Karaikal and Cuddalore on the midnight of November 14. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday informed that a deep depression over southeast Bay Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm, named ‘Gaja’. The weather conditions will bring heavy rainfall accompanied by wind speeds up to 100 kmph in several areas of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

On Sunday, the IMD said that the cyclone would intensify further into a ‘severe cyclonic storm’ by Monday and is likely to move towards north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts. It is likely to weaken and cross the coasts of Cuddalore (Tamil Nadu) and Sriharikota (Andhra) as a cyclonic storm. It said that the cyclonic storm is expected to hit the northern coast of Tamil Nadu between Karaikal and Cuddalore on the midnight of November 14. Cyclonic Storm LUBAN Over Arabian Sea; Heavy Rain Warning in West Bengal, Assam And Other Northeastern States. 

"Cyclonic storm will likely intensify further into a 'Severe Cyclonic Storm' in 24 hrs. It is likely to move west-northwestwards during next 36 hrs & west-southwestwards towards north TN-south AP during the subsequent 48 hrs", the IMD said.

Advisory for fishermen:

The fishermen are advised not to venture into the Andaman Sea during next 12 hours, over central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal during 11th – 13th and over southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal from November 12 onwards. The fishermen, who are in deep Sea are advised to return to coasts by tomorrow, 12th November, 2018.

In wake of the IMD advisory, Tamil Nadu fisheries department has urged the fishermen to avoid fishing in the south-east of the Bay of Bengal on Monday. Fishermen who are in the deep sea have been advised to return to coast before November 12.

Rainfall activity:

The IMD further warned of heavy rainfall at isolated places, including south Tamil Nadu, south Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, from the evening of November 14.  Rainfall intensity is very likely to increase gradually thereafter with rainfall at most places and heavy to very heavy at a few places. Extremely heavy falls are expected at isolated places very likely over north Tamil Nadu and at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places very likely over south Tamil Nadu, south Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema on November 15.

The district collectors have been asked to remain alert and make necessary arrangements to shift people living in low-lying areas, the officials said.

Cyclonic Storm Gaja will be the second cyclone to hit the coastal area in a month. Earlier on October 11, Cyclone Titli caused havoc in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh and claimed lives of nearly 70 people. Cyclone Titli Claims 2 Lives in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh; Trees & Poles Uprooted, Flights Affected in Odisha & Other Parts, View Pics & Videos.

The storm, with wind speeds of 175 km per hour had disrupted normal life as it uprooted thousands of electricity poles, devastated orchards, and damaged crops, causing a nightmare for farmers. Titli over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a severe cyclonic storm on October 10 and had moved towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering rainfall in several parts of Odisha.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 11, 2018 03:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).