Deep depression to cross Tamil Nadu coast Monday evening

A deep depression over Bay of Bengal is expected to cross near Cuddalore coast, around 185 km from here, on Monday evening, the weatherman said.

The deep depression lay centred 60 km east-southeast of Puducherry and 150 km southeast of Chennai, the India Meteorological Department bulletin said.

It would move west-northwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu coast to the south of Puducherry, close to Cuddalore on Monday.

According to the weather department, rainfall at many places in Tamil Nadu, south coastal Andhra Pradesh during next 24 hours is expected and over coastal and south interior Karnataka and Kerala during next 48 hours.

Squally wind speed reaching 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph would prevail along and off north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining Pudukkottai and Ramanathapuram districts of south Tamil Nadu coasts during next 24 hours.

According to the meteorological department, the sea would be very rough along and off north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and adjoining Pudukkottai and Ramanathapuram districts of south Tamil Nadu coasts during next 24 hours.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea along and off north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining Pudukottai and Ramanathapuram districts in Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, several parts of Tamil Nadu are experiencing welcome rainfall though it has dampaned the Diwali festive sentiments.

Firecracker shops are not logging any brisk sales despite Diwali, the festival of lights, is to be celebrated on Tuesday in Tamil Nadu.

Even sales of gold jewellery and coins is not brisk owing to the rains here.

"We expect the sales to be better this year as the gold price is attractive. Sales during last 10 days were good. However, the rains may dampen the sales," Madras Jewellers and Diamond Merchants Association president Jayantilal Challani told IANS here.