Cautionary signal hoisted at Pamban, Thoothukudi and Rameswaram

Cautionary signal (Signal three) has been hoisted at VO Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi and also at coastal areas of Rameswaram and Pamban in Ramanathapuram district on Monday following forecast from the Indian Meteorological Department about the possibility of cyclonic storm. Signal three is hoisted to warn marine vessels about a depression that may affect port operations.

Cautionary signal three at Pamban on Monday

DTNext

Madurai

According to sources, a well-marked low pressure area over southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal concentrated into a depression over southwest Bay of Bengal and lay centred on Monday at about 700 km south-southeast of Puducherry and 740 km southeast of Chennai.

According to meteorological experts, this depression is likely to intensify further into a cyclonic storm during next 24 hours and very likely to move northwestwards and cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram around noon on November 25. Further, while moving north-westwards, it is predicted to skirt northeast Sri Lanka coast on the same day.

Hence, fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea as sea state is expected to rise. Unusually high tidal waves, which may go up to 3 metres to 3.5 metres, are predicted, sources said. However, the cautionary warning would not affect seaport operations.

When contacted, inspector Kanagaraj of Rameswaram Coastal Security Group, said fishermen from 184 coastal hamlets in Ramanathapuram district have been asked to keep off the sea, citing the likely weather patterns, through megaphones. Fishing operations were restricted since November 22, said the inspector.

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