Cyclone Nilam

The cyclonic storm, ‘Nilam,’ which remained virtually stationary on Tuesday Oct 30,2012 is likely to cross the coast near Chennai by Wednesday Oct 31,2012 evening. It is about 320 kilometres south east from Chennai's coast and is expected to move to region between Cuddalore Tamil Nadu and Nellore in Andhra Pradesh.










Schools and colleges in nine districts including Chennai will remain shut on Wednesday. Five coastal districts in Andhra which are in Nilam's path are on alert. Fishermen have been advised against venturing out to sea till the storm passes. Rescue teams are also on standby and shelters being prepared in case evacuation becomes necessary.











Round-the-clock control rooms have been set up in all the districts and in Chennai, the room can be contacted at 1070.

With the cyclone approaching the coast, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in south coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and north interior Tamil Nadu over the next 48 hours.The cyclone is expected to reach wind speed of up to 90 kilometres per hour at the time of landfall.

 Fishing boats are anchored at the Bay of Bengal coast in Chennai

A water-logged Dr Besant road following heavy rains due to Cyclonic Storm Nilam in Chennai

 

Waves pound the waterfront at Kasimedu in Chennai

A View of  the Rough Sea in Chennai

People gather to see ‘Pratibha Cauvery’ that ran aground near Elliots Beach on Wednesday Oct 31,2012

 Cyclone Nilam Spares Chennai

Cyclonic storm Nilam, which threatened to hit the Chennai coast, spared the city, but made landfall near Mamallapuram, about 60 km south of Chennai, on Wednesday Oct 31,2012 evening where the storm crossed the coast between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
At the time of crossing the coast, Chennai recorded the maximum wind speed of 75 km per hour and Kalpakkam 65 km per hour.
A holiday has been declared for schools and colleges in all coastal districts, including Chennai, on Thursday Nov 01,2012.