#Warning: Cyclone Fani to turn into severe cyclonic storm
According to the MeT Department, Cyclone Fani is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Sunday and could turn into a very severe cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours. Fani was formed on Saturday due to a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal. The cyclone could reach north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh's coasts by April 30 evening.
Cyclone Fani is moving at speed of 16 kmph
Early this morning, the MeT Department said Cyclone Fani was about 1,230 km away from Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh and 1,050 km southeast of Chennai. It is moving northwestwards at a speed of 16 kmph, said Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Meanwhile, fishermen have been advised to steer clear of coasts. Notably, the name 'Fani' was suggested by Bangladesh.
In November, Cyclone Gaza wreaked havoc in Tamil Nadu
If Cyclone Fani makes landfall, it will be the second cyclone to do so in six months. In November, Cyclone Gaja hit Tamil Nadu. In the devastation that followed, 63 people died and hundreds of houses in Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and Pudukkottai districts were destroyed. However, experts believe Cyclone Fani may not make landfall and will recurve before reaching the coast.
Cyclone Fani may not make landfall
"According to our assessment, as of today, it will reach near the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu but it's unlikely that will make landfall. It may recurve before reaching the coast. We are monitoring its path," Mritunjay Mohapatra, IMD's Additional Director General, said.
Few parts of Tamil Nadu will receive moderate rainfall
Officials have predicted that coasts in Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh will be very rough April 28 onwards. The MeT Department has also said that some areas will receive rainfall. While heavy showers are expected in some isolated places of Kerala between April 29 and 30, parts of north coastal Tamil Nadu may get moderate rainfall on April 30 and May 1.
