Cyclone 'Ward' likely to cross Tamil Nadu coast

Cyclonic storm ‘Ward’, which had weakened and formed into a depression, is likely to cross Tamil Nadu coast between Kanyakumari and Nagapattinam districts on Tuesday night, meteorological department officials said on Tuesday.

“The depression which currently lies over Sri Lanka, is likely to move in the west direction and cross Tamil Nadu coast,” they said.

Under its influence, heavy rainfall is likely to occur in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry region during the next 24 hours beginning 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday.

Squally winds reaching 55-65 kmph and gusting to 75 kmph are likely along and off Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast during the same period, they said.

Local cautionary signal number three has been kept hoisted at all ports of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, they said, adding fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.