Bhubaneswar: The Deep Depression over southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclonic Storm “NIVAR” today. It is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Landfall: The system is very likely to cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram around Puducherry during 25th November evening as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph.

Wind warning:

* Squally wing speed reaching 30-40 kmph gusting to 50 kmph is prevailing along & off Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining South Andhra Pradesh coast and over Gulf of Mannar. It will gradually increase and become 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph along & off coastal districts of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (Nagapattinam, Karaikal, Myladuthurai, Cuddalore, Puducherry, Villupuram & Chengalpattu districts; 80-90 gusting to 100 kmph very likely over Tiruvarur, Kanchipuram, Chennai, Tiruvallaur districts) during forenoon to night of 25th November.

* Gale wind speed reaching 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph very likely over adjoining west central Bay of Bengal and along & off South Andhra Pradesh (Nellore & Chittoor districts), Gulf of Mannar and along and off districts of south coastal districts of Tamil Nadu during forenoon to night of 25th November.

Storm Surge Warning: Tidal wave of about 1m height above the astronomical tide is very likely to inundate the low lying areas of north coastal districts of Tamilnadu & Puducherry near the place of landfall.

Damage expected in coastal districts of Tamilnadu & Puducherry and adjoining Andhra Pradesh:
* Major damage to thatched houses/huts with possibility of roof tops being blown off and unattached metal sheets may fly.
* Damage to power and communication lines.
* Major damage to Kutcha and some damage to Pucca roads. Flooding of escape routes.
* Breaking of tree branches, uprooting of large avenue trees. Severe damage to banana and papaya trees, horticulture and crops & orchards. Large dead limbs blown from trees.
* Major damage to coastal crops.
* Damage to embankments/ salt pans.