’Mandous’ likely to move towards North TN, Puducherry, South AP coast tonight

The cyclonic storm nicknamed 'Mandous' is very likely to move west-northwestwards and cross the coasts of Northern Tamil Nadu (TN), Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh around mid-night today, and the naval and fishing communities are still advised not to venture into the deep sea areas until further notice, the Meteorology Department said.

They said the cyclonic storm is currently located over the southwest bay of Bengal, 240 km northeast of Trincomalee.

Maximum wind speeds would be 70 to 90 km/h, with gusts reaching 100 km/h in coastal areas.

Heavy showers and rough seas can be expected in the aforementioned sea areas, the department said.

Therefore, the naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into deep sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Kankesanturai, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, the southwest bay of Bengal, and the southern sea areas until further notice. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)