Cyclone Nilam Expected To Make Landfall In India’s South Eastern Coast Wednesday Evening

Even as the U.S. east coast was recovering from the damage inflicted by Superstorm Sandy, the deep depression which had formed over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclone and is expected to cross between coasts of south eastern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh late Wednesday evening.

According to a weather official quoted by the media, rainfall is expected at most places over the coastal Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The wind speed is expected to be around 80 kmph and could go up to 100 kmph when the cyclone hits the land.

Low lying districts of Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur are in danger of being flooded by the rising waters.

Areas surrounding the predicted landfall zone may witness “heavy damage” though “severe” storm is not expected, deputy director general of Indian Meteorological Department, Y.E.A. Raj told IANS.

Weather forecasts have shown heavy rain in Tamil Nadu and south of Andhra Pradesh and rough sea condition along and off its coasts.

Educational institutions in Chennai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore and Kancheepuram districts and the Union Territory of Puducherry will remain closed Thursday while fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea.