The Severe cyclonic storm, 'JAL' moved northwestwards and lay centered at 0530 hrs IST of today, the 7th November 2010, over southwest Bay of Bengal near lat.11.50N and long. 83.50E about 400 km northeast of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka), 400 km southeast of Chennai and 500 km southeast of Nellore. It would move west-northwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts between Puducherry and Nellore close to Chennai by today, the 7th November 2010 night.

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, Chennai & Kanchipuram 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.