Severe cyclonic storm 'Jal' to cross TN, AP coast tonight

CHENNAI: The severe cyclonic storm Jal, centered over Bay of Bengal is expected to cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra coast on Sunday night, with weathermen predicting heavy rains in the region during the next 24 hours beginning this morning.

"The severe cyclonic storm Jal stationed over southwest Bay of Bengal moved towards northwestwards direction at 5:30 AM today and centered at about 400 km off southeast Chennai," weather officials told PTI here.

They said the cyclone would move westnorth westwards direction and cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra coast between Pudhcuerry and Nellore close to Chennai tonight.

Fishermen were warned not to venture into the sea as it was expected that strong winds would sweep across coastal areas.

They said very heavy rainfall was expected to occur north coastal Tamil Nadu and south coastal Andhra Pradesh during the next 24 hours beginning 5.30 am on Sunday.

Chennai recorded 22.8 mm of rainfall during the 24 hours ending 5.30 am on Sunday.