Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal has moved north westwards with a speed of 15 kilometres per hour during the past 6 hours and lies centred at about 190 kilometres south south east of Machilipatnam and 270 km south southeast of Kakinada.

As Cyclonic storm Montha turned severe, a local warning signal number four has been hoisted at Chennai. Ennore and Kattupalli Ports today. In Cuddalore and Nagapattinam, a distant warning signal number 2 with section signal number two has been hoisted. Distant warning signal number two has been hoisted at Pamban, Thoothukudi, Karaikal and Puducherry ports.

 

 

Fishing activity has been completely stopped in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts. The Met department has warned of strong surface winds in North Coastal Tamil Nadu and adjoining districts.

 

 

Chennai and the surrounding areas have been receiving Light to moderate showers today. As a result, office goers suffered heavy traffic this morning. The crystal blue waters of Marina have turned dark, signifying the presence of a cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal.

 

 

The forecast for the city assures intermittent spells of moderate to heavy rains. Rains measuring up to 19 cm have been recorded in the catchment areas of the water bodies around Chennai. Water level storage has reached the maximum levels, and flood gates have been opened to release the surplus water.