Cyclone Fani is expected to escalate into an extremely severe storm and would move towards the north-west in India’s eastern coast until May 1. Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha have been warned to brace for extreme weather conditions including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas.
Cyclonic Storm #Fani, as on today morning, is located at 880 Kms South East of Chennai. It is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm by 30th April. Storm will continue to move North West and change its path to North East from 1st May.
?https://t.co/PnYCd6tA7A pic.twitter.com/AjrbVmxE4V
— PIB India (@PIB_India) April 29, 2019
The cyclone is situated over the Bay of Bengal in the south-east, just over 800km from the coast of Chennai. IMD said that the cyclone could generate wind speeds up to 50-60 km per hour in the coastal regions.
S Balachandran, IMD Chennai: #Fani cyclonic storm is likely to intensify into severe cyclone storm tonight & very severe cyclonic storm by tomorrow. It’s likely to move in north-west direction & come near to north Tamil Nadu & south Andhra coast by April 30 and May 1. pic.twitter.com/ykrUWjQjZy
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2019
An IMD official said, “The cyclone is likely to attain its strongest force on May 1 and 2 when, at its center, wind speeds could be as high as 185 km per hour. But since the nearest Indian coast, in northern Andhra Pradesh or southern Odisha, is likely to be at least 300 km away, the coastal areas are likely to experience wind speeds of about 60 km per hour.”
The IMD had also said, “The cyclone threat for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry has subsided with the cyclone Fani keeping away from anywhere near the shores.”
The Cyclone is currently moving in the north-west direction for the next two days before it turns towards the north-east. The cyclone would intensify by May 1 and 2 with generating wind speeds of about 185 km per hour in the center.
Light to moderate rainfall is expected in parts of Kerala, the northern coast of Tamil Nadu, south coast of Andhra Pradesh over the next two days. Heavy rainfall expected in isolated pockets over Kerala. Coastal Odisha would also experience rainfall which would intensify by May 3.
Fishermen along the coasts of Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry have been advised not to venture into the sea.
Spoke to officials regarding the situation arising due to Cyclone Fani. Asked them to take preventive measures and be prepared to provide all possible assistance. Also urged them to work closely with Governments of the affected states.
Praying for everyone’s safety and wellbeing.— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 29, 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shared in a Tweet that he has spoken to officials and has advised them to take all preventive measures. He has also urged the concerned officials to work closely with the governments of the affected states and provide all possible assistance.
