Chennai: Heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds swept parts of Tamil Nadu forcing authorities to close schools and colleges in Chennai and three other districts tomorrow.
Traffic in this metropolis came to a standstill with many of the roads under knee-deep water following the rains under the influence of a trough of low pressure which has intensified into a cyclonic depression over the Bay of Bengal.
Collelctors of Chennai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur and Tiruvarur have declared holiday for schools and colleges in their districts, official sources here said.
Cylcone has been steadily approaching the coasts of Vedaaranyam aand Nangatapatnam.
Speed of the storm is about 50-60 km/hr and 3500 people evacuated from Nagapatnam
Cyclone has already claimed 20 lives and more heavy rains expected in next 24 hrs.
Food packets have been distributed and schools and relief centres have been kept open. Officials say they are ready to tackle it when it approaches the region.
Met officials said here that during the period isolated heavy rain was likely to occur over coastal Tamil Nadu while isolated rain is likely over interior parts of the state.
Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea as strong onshore winds with maximum speed reaching 45-55 kilometers is likely to sweep along Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast during the next 24 hours.
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