Cyclone Fani is expected to intensify into a “very severe cyclonic storm” by April 30, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) informed on Monday adding that there was a possibility of landfall in Odisha as it is expected to change its path to North East from May 1.
The Met department has ruled out landfall over Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
A very severe cyclonic storm means that Fani will reach the status of ‘category three’ storm on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale.
The weather department had issued a red alert for Kerala and Tamil Nadu two days ago over the approaching cyclone in the Bay of Bengal.
Fishermen have already been asked not to venture into the sea till further notice. Those already at sea have been told to return immediately.
Post-midnight on Sunday, the Met Department tweeted that the cyclone is 1110 km southeast of Chennai.
“CS ‘FANI’ over SE BoB lay centred at 2330 hrs IST of 27th April 2019 about 1110 km SE of Chennai. It is very likely to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm during next 12 hours. It is very likely to move northwestwards till 30th & thereafter recurve northeastwards gradually,” the tweet read.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he has spoken to officials regarding the situation arising due to Cyclone Fani. He also asked the authorities to take preventive measures and be prepared to provide all possible assistance and urged them to work closely with governments of the affected states.