The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has slowed down, and is likely to intensify into Cyclone ‘Arnab’ on Sunday.
According to the weather bulletin, the system over the central-east and adjoining southeast Bay strengthened into a depression by 8.30 am on Saturday. While it initially moved at about 8 kmph, its speed later reduced to around 5 kmph, and its movement is being closely monitored.
The IMD expects the depression to further intensify into a deep depression and become Cyclone Arnab today. It may strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm on Monday and is expected to cross the coast between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
In Tamil Nadu, very heavy rain with thunder, lightning and strong winds is likely at isolated places in Pudukkottai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts, for which an orange alert has been issued. Heavy rain is also likely at isolated places in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam.
Elsewhere in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, moderate rain with thunder and strong winds may occur. Chennai and its suburbs are expected to remain partly cloudy, with moderate rain and thunderstorms at a few places.
