After severe cyclonic storm Vardah crossed north Tamil Nadu coast close to Chennai between 1500-1700 hrs on Monday causing havoc in the city, weathermen said heavy rain at isolated places was very likely over Tamil Nadu, south interior Karnataka and Kerala.

Here are the updates:

1.50 p.m

The South Central Railway (SCR), the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and the private travel operators cancelled many services to Chennai post Vardah, which crossed the coast near Chennai on Monday.

1.00 p.m

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) says heavy rains are expected over north interior Tamil Nadu, adjoining south Karnataka and north Kerala in the next 12 hours.

7:40 a.m

Some much-awaited news for those travelling. Operations at the Chennai airport resume. Flights have been operational since 5:45 a.m.

Also Read Day after Vardah havoc , Chennai suburban rail services resumed partly

5:00 a.m.

The cyclone is expected to reach Karnataka today.

4:20 a.m.

Rainfall at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy falls over north Tamil Nadu is very likely during the next 24 hours.

Rainfall at many places with isolated heavy falls is likely over Nellore, Kadapa and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh during the next 12 hours.

Wind warning: Squally winds speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph very likely to prevail during next six hours around the system centre over north Tamil Nadu. Wind speed gradually decrease thereafter.

4:00 a.m.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) states that Vardah has weakened into a deep depression at 23:30 hrs IST of 12, December.

2.30 a.m.

Altogether 11,857 food packets were distributed by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). As many as 297 roads were blocked in Tamil Nadu after the cyclone’s landfall of which 89 have been cleared so far.

A total of 3,384 trees had fallen and 30 electric transformers damaged.

1:00 a.m.

Trains fully cancelled on 13.12.2016

T.No.12675 Chennai Central – Coimbatore Kovai Express

T.No.22625 Chennai Central – KSR Bengaluru Double Decker Express

T.No.12639 Chennai Central – KSR Bengaluru Brindavan Express

T.No.16093 Chennai Central – Lucknow Express

T.No.56037 Chennai Egmore – Puducherry Passenger

Train partially cancelled on 13.12.2016

T.No.12007 Chennai Central – Mysore Shatabdi Express will run upto KSR Bengaluru only.

11.30 p.m.

More than 10,000 people were rescued and sheltered by the NDRF in nearly 300 relief camps after Vardah made a landfall.

The cyclone flattened homes, snapped communication lines and threw into disarray rail, road and air traffic as it crossed the coast near the Tamil Nadu capital, pounding Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram with heavy rain and squall.

The NDMA said that a total of 10,432 people were rescued by 19 NDRF teams in different parts of Tamil Nadu as the severe cyclone hit the State.

11.15 p.m.

The system will weaken into a depression in the next 3 hours. Worst over for Chennai, tweets NDMA.

10:30 p.m.

The Union Ministry of Water Resources advises the Tamil Nadu government to maintain strict vigil at lakes in the districts expecting heavy rainfall from Vardah.

In an advisory to the State government, the Ministry said: "In view of the expected heavy to very heavy rainfall... in the districts of Chennai, Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur, along with very severe cyclonic storm 'Vardah'... good inflows are likely into the reservoirs of Poondi, Chembarampakkam and other lakes around the Chennai city."

"As the lakes are not full, the inflows shall increase the levels in the reservoirs considerably. The state government has been advised to maintain strict vigil at all the lakes in case of exceptionally heavy rainfall," the advisory said.

9.40 p.m.

All government, government-aided, private schools and colleges and other educational institutions in Chennai, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts will remain closed on Tuesday.

9.30 p.m.

Chennai airport operations have been suspended till 11 pm tonight.

08:45 p.m.

Latest IMD update

Vardah crossed north Tamil Nadu coast close to Chennai between 1500-1700 hrs, an IMD bulletin released at 7 30 p.m. states.

The system is very likely to continue to move nearly westwards, weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm during next three hours and further into a deep depression during subsequent six hours.

Rainfall at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy falls over south coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry is very likely during next 24 hrs.

Gale winds speed reaching 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph very likely to prevail during next three hours along & off Chennai & Thiruvallur districts of Tamil Nadu and adjoining Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. Wind speed will gradually decrease after three hours becoming 25-35 kmph gusting to 45 kmph by tomorrow morning.

8:00 p.m.

The Coast Guard today deployed ICGS Atulya to search for two fishermen, who have been reported missing off Kakinada even as Cyclone Vardah batters the coastal regions in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

6:40 p.m.

IMD Chennai Director speaks

“The western part of the cyclone Vardah has crossed the coast around 10 km north of Chennai,” S. Balachandran, Director at the Regional Meteorological Centre, told IANS.

“Now the central part is crossing. Then the eastern part of the cyclone will cross. Since the central part is crossing there is calm and the rains have stopped.

“The landfall will continue till 8-9 p.m.,” he added.

6:30 p.m.

Milk supply will not be affected tomorrow: AAVIN

Milk supply to cyclone Vardah-hit people in Chennai, Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur districts was not affected today and will be normal tomorrow, state-run Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation Ltd said.

The Federation, popularly known as AAVIN, said it’s dairy farms in Madhavaram, Ambattur and Sholinganallur are operating with generators and milk will be supplied to its outlets and to residences across the city tomorrow as usual.

It asked customers who do not receive milk to call toll free number 18004253300.

6:00 p.m.

An eight-year-old girl has died in wall collapse in Kanchipuram district.

According to official sources, the incident took place at around 12-30 p.m. when the victim, Ashwathi and her brother, Abinesh (4) were returning home at TELC School Street, Melamaiyur in Chengalpattu taluk. The compound wall of their hourse collapsed due to strong wind. While Ashwathi died on the spot, Abinesh has been admitted to Chengalpattu Medical College Hospital.

5:55 p.m.

The Indian Coast Guard is keeping four capital ships and six fast patrol vessels stand by at Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Karaikkal, a release states. Four Dornier aircrafts and two Chetak aircrafts are also kept on stand by. An ICG ship has already been deployed for rescue operations off Andhra coast.

5.45 p.m.



The IMD's latest update is here:

Latest observation indicates, it is in the process of crossing the north Tamil Nadu coast close to Chennai as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100 to 110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph.

The system is very likely to continue to move nearly westwards and weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm during next six hours.

5:36 p.m.

Cyclone ‘Vardah’ is set to pass through south Goa on Wednesday, which will lead to rise in temperature and light rains in the state from tomorrow onwards, reports PTI.

The cyclone, which hit Tamil Nadu today, will reach Karnataka by tomorrow, will pass through south of Goa on December 14, M.L. Sahu, Director of India Meteorological Department’s observatory in Goa.

5:32 p.m.

Post landfall outlook

Even after landfall, the system is likely to maintain its cyclonic storm intensity for next six hours and will weaken gradually thereafter, an IMD report has said.

The IMD has predicted rains at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at few places in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Puducherry, Nellore & Prakasam districts for the next 12 hrs after landfall.

Winds speed reaching 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph likely to continue over these districts during next 06 hrs after landfall and gradually decrease thereafter.

As the cyclone moves inland north interior districts of Tamil Nadu and Rayalaseema may also experience heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places.

5:00 p.m.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has called Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam. He assured that the Centre will extend any help required.

Mr. Panneerselvam explained the Home Minister State's preparedness to face the aftermath.

Spoke to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh CMs who have apprised me of the situation prevailing in the state post the landfall of Cyclone Vardah — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 12, 2016

4.45 p.m.



As Chennai experiences calm after the storm, though only for a brief time, according to meteorologists, let us take a look at other coastal districts.

Nellore: The district is heaving a sigh og relief as it has escaped from Vardas's fury. But the roads and rails that connect the district with Gudur and Chennai were affected.

The rainfall under the impact of cyclone was 36 mm at Vakadu, 24 mm at Chittamur, 23 mm at Tada and 7.4 mm at Nellore. There has been no rainfall recorded in upland areas like Udayagiri and Sitaramapuram.

Tirupati: The areas abutting Tamil Nadu and Nellore district, falling under Tirupati revenue division, were severely affected by heavy gales and continuous downpour. The total rainfall received in the district is 215mm and the average is pegged at 14.3mm.

Tiruvannamalai: The hill district will host Karthigai deepam today. Rains didn't deter pilgrims who have come from various parts of the State from trekking the hill.

Puducherry: Rains continued to lash the Union Territory. The port has hoisted signal 8, which means the storm is on the right of the coast. Five houses near Villupuram collapsed in the rains. As the sea was rough, tourists and public were not allowed to venture into the sea. Rains continued to lash the Union Territory. The port has hoisted signal 8, which means the storm is on the right of the coast. Five houses near Villupuram collapsed in the rains. As the sea was rough, tourists and public were not allowed to venture into the sea.

4.30 p.m.



The eye of the storm has crossed and wind speeds are picking up again.

4 p.m.

As Chennai is experiencing calm after the storm, though it will be only for a brief time, according to meteorologists, let us take a look at other coastal districts.

Nellore: The district is heaving a sigh of relief as it has escaped from Vardah's fury.

3:55 p.m.

As the city gets respite from rains, people are out at streets taking pictures of the devastation. Please stay indoors, the storm has not passed yet.

Read more

3:50 p.m.

The eye of storm is passing over Chennai right now. This is a significant part of the landfall. The city is calm now, no rains. If you think the worst is over, you are wrong.

Here’s a handy guide to the terms weathermen use to describe different parts of a cyclone.

3:20 p.m.

Latest IMD forecast

The IMD has predicted rainfall at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy falls over south coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the next 24 hours.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-19 cm) at a few places and isolated extremely heavy rainfall (≥ 20 cm) very likely over Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts of Tamil Nadu and Nellore and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh during next 24 hours, the release states.

Gale winds speed reaching 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph very likely to prevail during next 12 hours along & off Chennai & Thiruvallur districts of Tamil Nadu and Nellore & adjoining areas of Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh.

Sea condition will be phenomenal all along the coasts of Chennai, Thiruvallur, Nellore and adjoining areas of Prakasam districts.

The tidal waves of about one meter height above is very likely to inundate the low lying areas of Chennai and Thiruvallur districts of Tamil Nadu and Nellore districts of Andhra Pradesh associated with landfall.

03:00 p.m.

The eye of storm is crossing Chennai now. This is likely to last for 30 minutes.

Chennai may experience sunshine now, but don't get conned, warns meteorologists.

Read more

2:50 p.m.

Two killed in cyclonic storm

The Tamil Nadu government has said two people have died due to Cyclone Vardah. This was mentioned in the status report released by the Revenue Department.

The IMD bulletin released at 1:00 pm says the intensity of the cyclone will reduce slightly between 1:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. However, rains and wind will increase from 3 p.m. and continue till 6 p.m.

The wind speed was recorded as 110-130 kmph and gusting upto 140 kmph.

The government has opened 266 relief centres and over 8,000 people have been evacuated in three districts.

Six NDRF teams and four SDRF teams are working in rescue and relief operations.

Read more

2:29 p.m.

What to do when the power is restored after a flood? TANGEDCO, Tamil Nadu's power supply arm has released this checklist.

Read more

2:00 p.m.

The Tamil Nadu government has issued an advisory asking people to stay indoors and those outdoors to take shelter between 1 and 4 p.m. today.

Meanwhile Chennai Corporation-run Amma canteens are serving free food to the needy. All Amma canteens are kept open in the city.

1.40 p.m.



The Indian Navy has 30 diving teams standing by.

@SpokespersonMoD #cyclonevardah 30 Diving teams fully equipped standing by to be flown as required pic.twitter.com/WuFZOgkCyk — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 12, 2016

1:04 p.m.

The cyclone has started crossing from north of Chennai. The wind speed may decrease in next half an hour and again pick up speed after 2.30 pm. It may take 6 pm for the entire cyclone to cross, says S.P Thampi, deputy director general of meteorology, Chennai.

Chennai Cyclone Helpline: 04425619206; 25619511; 25384965; 25383694; 25367823;25387570 and 9445477207/203/206

12:56 p.m.

The tidal wave of about one meter height above the astronomical tide is very likely to inundate the low lying areas of Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts of Tamil Nadu and Nellore districts of Andhra Pradesh during the time of landfall, says an IMD forecast.

12:45 p.m.

Strong winds and heavy rainfall in Chennai. Visuals from Chennai Airport

#WATCH: Heavy rains & strong winds hit the city of Chennai. Visuals from Chennai Airport #cyclonevardah pic.twitter.com/nryn4rb1xJ — ANI (@ANI_news) December 12, 2016

12:43 p.m.

The Navy has moved two ships INS Shivalik and Kadmatt out at sea near Chennai to provide assistance.

12:42 p.m.

It is reported that the glasses on window panes of Met Department in Chennai have broken due to gusty winds.

12:40 p.m.

Great Danger signal 8 has been hoisted at Cuddalore, Great Danger signal 7 at Krishnampatnam port. The wind speed was recorded as 90-100 km/hr in these ports. For Chennai, Ennore at Kattupalli ports very great danger 10 remains.

12.25 p.m.



The National Disaster Management Authority has tweeted that the nuclear plant in Kalpakkam is safe.

All precautions are taken at Nuclear Plant-Kalpakkam to face #Vardah.All is well & plant operation is normal.The plant is in touch with IMD. — NDMA India (@ndmaindia) December 12, 2016

12:15 p.m.

Latest IMD update

Very Severe Cyclonic storm 'VARDAH' located about 50 km east-northeast of Chennai at 1130 IST. To cross coast close to Chennai by today afternoon with wind speed of 100-110 kmph.

The Chennai Metro Rail Services has announced it will suspend its service if wind speed is above 90kmph.

12:00 noon

Tamil Nadu government has asked people of Ennore and Palaverkadu to evacuate.

11:45 a.m.

Flights cancelled

Around 25 incoming flights, including those from international destinations, were diverted to the nearby Hyderabad and Bangalore airports due to strong winds and poor visibility, airport officials said.

Nearly 25 outbound flights were delayed, officials said, adding that there was no inundation of the runway despite heavy rains.

An emergency management team was on standby to meet any eventuality, they said.

11:35 a.m.

About 113 ambulances are kept at high alert in Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts. A team of electrical wood cutters also kept in stand by, reports Zubeda Hamid.

11:32 a.m.

Rains, though in the form of cyclonic storm, may bring cheer to the water-starved Chennai residents. But Krishna district farmers are a worried lot. Here is why:

11:25 a.m.

All Chennai suburban services suspended

All EMU and MEMU suburban trains that ply in four routes, Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu, Chennai Central/Beach-Sulurpetta, Chennai Central/Beach-Arakkonam, and Chennai Beach-Velachery have been suspended until further notice.

For details of cancelled and diverted trains:

11:20 a.m.

Trees fell on the track at Perambur, Egmore ( in two places) and Chetpet, which has delayed suburban train services. The fallen trees have been cleared at Perambur and Egmore and and obstructions are being removed currently at Chetpet, reports K. Manikandan.

11:17 a.m.

In other news, some 20-odd athletes have landed in Chennai to take part in the Santosh trophy Trials. Cyclone Vardah has delayed the trials that are scheduled to be held at Nehru Stadium. "When it stops raining a bit, they will confidently go for the trials for which they are gathered in the city," says Albert Devakaram, a former The Hindu staff and a veteran athelete.

A group of 20-plus athletes from various districts of Tamil Nadu at Nehru Stadium eagerly waiting to get into their rooms. They face Vardah today with dexterity to do a warm up when it stops raining a bit so that they can confidently go for the Santosh trophy Trials for which they are gathered in the city. | Photo Credit: Albert Devakaram

11:04 a.m.

Great danger signal no 10 at Chennai, Ennore and Kattupalli ports. Great danger signal number 8 hoisted at Cuddalore, Puducherry and Karaikkal ports.

10:50 a.m.

Cyclonic storm and severe cyclonic storm: what's the difference?

Cyclonic storm Vardah, which was earlier expected to weaken considerably, may not see its intensity going down when it makes landfall near Chennai today.

According to the Cyclone Warning Division of the India Meteorological Department, (IMD), Vardah, which is currently, a very severe cyclonic storm, will weaken, but only to a severe cyclonic storm.

At 9:30 am, the cyclone was lay centered around 105 kms east-northeast of Chennai. By the time it makes a landfall, its wind speed is expected to be 100-110 kmph with winds gusting up to 120 kmph.

The wind speed during a very severe cyclonic storm is 120 to 130 kmph. In a severe cyclonic storm the wind speed is somewhere between 110 to 80 kmph.

10:26 a.m.

IT offices in Chennai have declared holiday today. Some employees have opted to work from home. Schools and colleges have declared holiday.

The Tamil Nadu Labour department has issued an advisory asking all private institutions in Chennai, Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur districts to permit their staff to take leave or work from home today.

10:07 a.m.

High alert has been sounded in 30 coastal villages in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. Over 50,000 have been identified to be evacuated based on the weather conditions by evening, says Machilpatnam Revenue Divisional Officer P. Saibaba.

A Signal 3 has been raised in Krishnapuram Port. While in Puducherry, signal 8 has been hoisted.

So what is this signal 3 and 8? Find out:

10:04 a.m.

Kanchipuram records 20.41 mm rainfall upto 8 am.

Kancheepuram - 23.80mm

Chengalpattu - 8.60 mm

Mathuranthagam - 10.50 mm

Sriperumbudur - 26.90 mm

Tambaram - 18.00 mm

Thirukazhukundram- 17.90 mm

Mamallapuram - 35.60 mm

Kelambakkam - 42.60

Uthiramerur - 11.00 mm

Cheyyur - 9.20 mm

Kalpakkam - NR

09:30 a.m.

Satellite image of cyclone Vardah taken from INSAT 3D at 0600 hours on Monday. | Photo Credit: IMD

Satellite image of cyclone Vardah taken from INSAT 3D at 0600 hours on Monday.

9.15 a.m.

A gulmohar tree uprooted near medavakkam #cyclonevardah PIC courtesy: friends @the_hindu @ChennaiConnect pic.twitter.com/qjtxihWDWa — Sangeetha (@sang1983) December 12, 2016

8:30 a.m.

The very severe cyclonic storm Vardah is now located 100-120 km east of Chennai. It is likely to make a landfall between 2.30pm and 5.30 pm today, says S. B.Thampi, deputy director general of meteorology, Chennai to K. Lakshmi. The system is likely to weaken into severe cyclonic storm during landfall.

Chennai Nungambakkam has received about 6 cm of rainfall so far.

The last time Chennai witnessed a cyclone was in 1994.

Read more

8:26 a.m.

As cyclone Vardah is nearing the coast, here are the dos and don'ts you need to know.

Read more

8:00 a.m.

Trains cancelled

There will be only one EMU train for every one hour between Chennai Central Suburban to Gummidipundi.

Chennai-Arakkonam line, Chennai-Tambaram-Chengalpattu line and Chennai MRTS will ply as usual. However, caution drive order has been given to motormen of these trains.

Southern Railways has fully/partially cancelled trains as a precautionary measure.

Train No.66026 Sullurpetta-Chennai Central (Moore Market Complex) leaving Sullurpetta at 12 noon is fully cancelled.

Train No.12711 Vijayawada – Chennai Central Pinakini Express leaving Vijayawada at 06.00 hrs is partially cancelled between Gudur and Chennai Central

Train No.12712 Chennai Central - Vijayawada Pinakini Express leaving Chennai Central at 14.05 hrs is partially cancelled between Chennai Central and Gudur

Train No.66030 Nellore – Sullurpetta MEMU leaving Nellore at 10.00 hrs is partially cancelled between Gudur and Sullurpetta.

Emergency Booth Nos

Chennai Central 044 29015206

Chennai Egmore 044 29015202

7:43 a.m.

An update from T . Appalanaidu, our correspondent in Andhra Pradesh:

Masula receives its first spell of rainfall. Farmers are worried about standing paddy as heavy winds are expected.

Manginapudi beach is closed for visitors for next 48 hours. Police is guarding the beach and restricting the entry of visitors.

Fishermen engaged in fishing at Masula Harbour have reached the shore. Fishing operations suspended at

7:40 a.m.

NDRF at stand by

The Centre has dispatched NDRF personnel to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

One team of NDRF comprising around 40 personnel has been pre-positioned in Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore, one in Tada, one in Sulurpeta, one in Ongle, and one in Chitpore district.

In addition, another team is moving to Sulurpeta while teams are on standby in Guntur and Hyderabad.

Three NDRF teams were pre-positioned in Chennai, two in Tamil Nadu’s in Thiruvallur, one in Mahabalipuram. Sources said another team is on its way to Chennai while one team has been out on stand by at Arakkonam.

7:30 a.m.

Why Vardah?

Ever wondered who named the cyclone as Vardah? It is Pakistan. ’Vardah’, which means ‘red rose’.

Name of cyclones in the Indian Ocean Region are decided by member countries — India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, Maldives and Oman. The last cyclone was ‘Nada’, a name suggested by Oman.

7:15 a.m.

Latest from IMD

The latest weather bulletin from IMD has this forecast.

Rainfall at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy falls over south coastal Andhra Pradesh, north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry is very likely during 36 hrs. The rainfall intensity will increase gradually becoming heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-19 cm) at a few places and isolated extremely heavy rainfall (≥ 20 cm) over Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts of Tamil Nadu and Nellore and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh on December 12 (ii) Wind warning: Squally winds speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60

3.35 a.m.

Many parts of Chennai have started receiving heavy rainfall. Localities near the coast are witnessing heavy winds.

3.11 a.m.

The weather system is 240 km east-northeast of Chennai and 300 km east-southeast of Nellore. It is very likely to cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts, close to Chennai as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of up to 100 kmph by noon.

Monday | 12.56 a.m.

Cyclone Vardah heads towards Chennai shores

S. Balachandran, director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre in Chennai, says the rains will gradually increase from the morning of December 12 and last until the next day in the northern districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram.

Read more

9.04 p.m.

The latest from IMD

The weather system now lies about 300 km east of Chennai and 350 km east-southeast of Nellore. It is very likely to move nearly westwards and weaken gradually while moving towards north Tamil Nadu and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts.

It is very likely to cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts, close to Chennai, with a wind speed of up to 100 kmph on Monday afternoon.

Tidal wave warning

Tidal waves likely to inundate the low lying areas of Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts of Tamil Nadu; and Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.

The IMD has predicted isolated heavy to very heavy falls over south coastal Andhra Pradesh, north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the next 36 hours. The rainfall intensity will increase gradually becoming heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-19 cm) at a few places and isolated extremely heavy rainfall (≥ 20 cm) over Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts of Tamil Nadu and Nellore and Prakasam districts of Andhra Pradesh on Monday.

8.16 p.m.

Highlights of the press note from Chennai Police:

- All officers instructed to mobilise maximum manpower and keep them ready for deployment.

- Public are advised not to park their vehicles underneath trees or lamp posts.

- Police teams positioned at vital locations to remove obstructions due to tree falling, if any.

- Police Control Room will be functional round the clock and public seeking any assistance can call 100. Contact 103 to convey messages and complaints.

8.03 p.m.

Helpline numbers:

Chennai Corporation: 25619206, 25619511, 25384965, 25383694, 25367823, 25387570

Grievances can also be sent via Whatsapp to: 94454 77207, 94454 77203, 94454 77206 , 94454 77201, 94454 77205

Puducherry: 1077, 1070

Cuddalore: 1077, 04142 220700, 231666

7.53 p.m.

Holiday declared for schools and colleges in Puducherry, Karaikal and Cuddalore district.

7.36 p.m.

Chennai schools, colleges closed on Monday, December 12, 2016.

#CycloneVaradh Eastern Naval Command fully geared up 4 Relief & Assistance. Ships&A/c ready at Vizag/ Arakonam 2b deployed @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/u5A9f0yOvR — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 11, 2016

6.40 p.m.

Tamil Nadu government issues advisory to private companies to let employees avail leave.

The letter said, "In view of the impending 'Vardah' cyclone, Government issues an advisory to private undertakings/establishments to permit their staff to avail holiday permission or work from home on 12.12.2016, as being done in many IT and private companies."

6.30 p.m.

Six teams of the 04 battalion of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Arakkonam, have moved to Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Mamallapuram for flood rescue operations following the prediction on cyclone.

Read more

CM O. Panneerselvam chairs meeting to review preparatory arrangements ahead of cyclone Vardah.

Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam chairs meeting to review preparatory arrangements.

5.57 p.m.

Rainfall over chennai and neighbouring districts may continue till Tuesday morning.

5.56 p.m.

During the landfall on Monday, Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Puducherry will get rainfall. Once the system crosses, places like Vellore and Dharmapuri will begin to get rains.

5.55 p.m.

S.B. Thampi, Deputy Director General of Meteorology, Chennai says, "Most places expected to get light to moderate rain. There may be isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall up to 20 cm.

The sea remains rough at Puducherry. | Photo Credit: T. Singaravelou

One or two places may get exceptionally very heavy rainfall more than 25 cm."

5.54 p.m.

Schools and colleges in Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur will be shut on Monday in view of the cyclone.

4.35 p.m.

Cyclone Vardah likely to cross TN and South AP Coast, close to Chennai, as a cyclonic storm by Monday afternoon: IMD