The deep depression over Southwest Bay of Bengal remained practically stationary and intensified into Cyclonic Storm ‘Nilam’ about 500 km south east of Chennai. The system is expected to move northwestwards and cross North Tamilnadu and adjoining South Andhra Coast between Nagapattinam and Nellore tomorrow.

Due to the storm normal life in Chennai, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore and Nagapattinam districts has been affected badly. Continuous rains since yesterady night has thrown normal life out of gear.

Cyclone cautionary signal has been hoisted at Chennai Port and Nagapttinam and Cuddalore ports. The Met department has predicted heavy rain for the next twenty four hours. A warning has been issued for fishermen against squally winds reaching a speed of 45 to 55 km per hour. Boats have been lined up along the coastline in some fishing villages reports of rough waves dragging the fish nets back to the sea were also reported.

Arrangements have been made for people to move to shelter for people living in low lying areas.