Cyclone Nivar is set to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and it is likely to cross the coast between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry before dawn on Thursday, reported PTI, quoting the India Meteorological Department.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Wednesday,  declared Thursday a public holiday for 13 districts including Chennai, Vellore, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Chengelpet and Kancheepuram considering the safety of people in view of the cyclone. Wednesday was already declared a holiday.

Also read: Flights and trains cancelled as Tamil Nadu, Puducherry prepare for cyclone Nivar

The IMD in its latest bulletin said Nivar is set to cross over between Karaikal and Mamallapuram “during the midnight of November 25 and early hours of 26 November.”

The storm, which is 250 km off Chennai and 190 km and 180 km from Puducherry and Cuddalore respectively, is likely to move northwestwards and cross coasts as a “very severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 120-130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph.”

Also read: Ready to face cyclone Nivar, will assist govt in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry: Indian Army

According to the government, surplus water was released from Chembarambakkam lake, one of the key drinking water sources to the city, since it almost neared its capacity. PWD officials said 1000 cusecs was released from the lake as the level stood at 22 feet of the total 24 feet.

Chennai and its suburbs continued to witness intermittent showers coupled with strong winds with low-lying areas getting inundated and water entering houses in such localities. Meanwhile civic body officials were involved in clearing the roads of stagnant water. 

People living in coastal districts were appealed by the Tamil Nadu government to not venture out of their homes and requested those living in low lying areas to reach the cyclone shelters in their respective regions.