MUNI THE BOSS

The Severe cyclonic storm, 'JAL' moved northwestwards and lay centered at 0830 hrs IST of today, the 7th November 2010, over southwest Bay of Bengal near lat.12.00N and long. 83.00E about 420 km north-northeast of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), 320 km east-southeast of Chennai and 400 km southeast of Nellore. It would move west-northwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts between Chennai and Nellore by today, the 7th November 2010 night. However, latest observations indicate sign of weakening of the system.

Under its influence, rain/thundershower would occur at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places and isolated extremely heavy falls (=25 cm) over north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south coastal Andhra Pradesh during next 48 hours and at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places over Rayalaseema, south Tamil Nadu and South Interior Karnataka during the same period.

Gale winds speed reaching 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph would prevail along and off North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts during next 12 hours. It may increase upto 110-120 kmph gusting to 130 kmph at the time of landfall. Sea conditions will be very rough to high, along and off these coasts becoming phenomenal at the time of landfall.

Storm surge of about 1-2 metres above the astronomical tide may inundate the low lying areas of Nellore & Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh and Tiruvallur and Chennai districts of Tamilnadu at the time of landfall.

Damage expected:

Extensive damage to thatched roofs and huts. Minor damage to power and communication lines due to uprooting of large avenue trees. Flooding of escape routes.

Action suggested:

Total suspension of fishing operations. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea. Coastal hutment dwellers to be moved to safer places. People of affected areas are advised to remain indoors.