Cyclone ‘Michaung heading towards Tamil Nadu coast, IMD predicts heavy rain

Following the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) December 4 evening forecast for cyclone “Michaung,” which was expected to cross South Andhra Pradesh and the adjacent coast of North Tamil Nadu between Chennai and Machilipatnam, the MeT department in Chennai stated that intense rainfall is anticipated in Tiruvallur when the cyclone makes landfall.

“The well-marked low-pressure area has concentrated into a depression this morning. It is now located over the south-east bay and about 790 km from south-east of Chennai. Now, this system is likely to move in a north-westerly direction, which will further intensify into a deep depression by tomorrow. Further, it will intensify into a cyclonic storm. And it is expected to cross between Chennai and Machilipatnam by 4th December,” Deputy-Director General of Meteorology, S Balachandran said.

According to S Balachandran, light to moderate rainfall is predicted in most areas of North Tamil Nadu over the next four days.

“Heavy rainfall is likely to occur on December 1 and 2 in Delta districts. On December 3 from Thiruvallur to Mayiladuthurai north coastal districts will receive heavy to very heavy rainfall and adjacent districts like Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Perambur, Thanjavur and Thiruvarur will receive heavy rainfall and on December 4 Tiruvallur is expected to get very heavy rainfall and Chennai, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalai, Chengalpattu is expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall and Viluppuram and Kallakurichi is expected to receive heavy rainfall,” he further said.

In reference to wind speed, he stated that on December 4, the wind speed in Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Viluppuram will be 60 to 70 kmph with gusts up to 80 kmph. On December 3, the wind speed from Tiruvallur to Cuddalore will be between 50 and 60 kmph with gusts up to 70 kmph.

“Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai will experience 50 to 60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph. Fishermen have been advised not to venture in the Southwest Bay of Bengal as well as north Tamil Nadu coast and south Andhra coast for the next four days,” he further added.

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