Cyclone Fani expected to hit Tamil Nadu coast on Apr 30, cause heavy rains

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to receive heavy rainfall from Sunday due to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal which could transform into Cyclone Fani, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday.

"After gaining strength, the cyclonic circulation has finally induced a low-pressure area. The system is formed over Equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining the southeast Bay of Bengal," it said.

"It is likely to move northwestwards along and off Sri Lanka coast during subsequent 72 hours and reach near north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast on April 30," it added.

On Thursday, the IMD had issued a 'red alert' for Tamil Nadu on April 30 and May 1.

Weather experts have predicted that Tamil Nadu coast, including Chennai, and Puducherry are likely to receive heavy rainfall from April 30 for three days. Kerala will also receive rainfall.

"Strong winds are expected in the state from Friday. A yellow alert has been issued for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Malappuram on April 29," the MET office said.

The fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period.