'Fani' may bring light to moderate rains to north TN: Met dept

Light to moderate rainfall is expected in northern parts of Tamil Nadu under the influence of Cyclone 'Fani' which is presently lying over southwest Bay of Bengal, Area Cyclone Warning Centre Director S Balachandran said Tuesday.

"Kumarikadal, Mannarvalaikuda and northern parts of the state would be receiving strong winds with speed ranging between 30 and 50 km per hour today," he said.

Balachandran said the cyclone has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm.

It would continue to intensify and travel in northwest direction and gradually pass Odisha on May 3 in north and northeast direction, he said.

According to the India Meteorological Department, 'Fani' is likely to intensify into an 'extremely severe cyclonic storm' by late Tuesday night and can hit the Odisha coast by Friday afternoon.

Fishermen, Balachandran said, are advised not to venture into southwest Bay of Bengal on Tuesday and Wednesday.