The Met department today said that the tropical cyclone storm ‘Nilam’ is moving in North wards of the country indicating that it is moving away from the island.

“However, under the influence of the system, showers with fairly strong winds will continue to prevail in the North-central, Northern, Eastern and North-western provinces today. Other areas of the island will also receive rains at some places,” the department said

It also advised that seas off the coast extending from Mannar to Trinconalee via Jaffna & Mullattivu will experience strong winds, very rough conditions and intermittent rain. Therefore fishing and naval community are kindly requested to refrain from maritime activities in these sea areas today and tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Indian news reports said that people in the southern states of neighboring India prepare themselves for fast approaching Cyclone Nilam building over Bay Bengal, which is expected to cross between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coasts Wednesday evening.

According to the Metrological Department of India, the cyclone is now around 340 km south-southeast of Chennai and is moving.

"Nilam is expected to cross the coast between Cuddalore (Tamil Nadu) and Nellore (Andhra Pradesh) today (Wednesday) evening," the Met department said.

According to the weatherman, rainfall is expected at most places over coastal Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Wind speed would reach around 80 kmph and prevail along and off north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts as Nilam nears its landfall.

The sea condition will be rough along and off north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts during the next 36 hour.

Storm surge of about 1 to 1.5 metre over the astronomical tide is likely to inundate the low lying areas of Chennai, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts in Tamil Nadu and Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.

Standing crops - paddy, groundnut and maize - in coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are likely to be damaged, said a weather bulletin.

The Tamil Nadu government has announced holiday for schools and colleges in the coastal districts.

Five coastal districts in Andhra which are in Nilam's path are on alert. Fishermen have been advised not to venture out in sea till the storm settles. Rescue and relief teams are also on standby and shelters being prepared in case evacuation becomes necessary.

The disaster management agency of the state is supervising the precautionary arrangements being taken by the local administration to minimise the loss of human life and property in case of any eventuality.

The Chennai port on the southeast coast has stopped cargo operations after a cyclone warning.