Nilam intensifies into a strong cyclone and heavy rainfall is expected in the coastal regions of Andhra and Tamil Nadu. This storm is expected to hit the coast somewhere between Nellore and Puducherry on Wednesday evening. Gutsy winds varying from 45 kmph to 120 kmph are expected.

“The system would intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm and move north-westwards and cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast between Puducherry and Nellore close to Chennai by this evening,” said a report by Indian Meteorological Department.

Officials ordered fishermen not to venture into the sea and the people living in low lying coastal areas are moved to safer places. Control rooms are set up across the storm hit districts of both the states and local cautionary number three has been hoisted in several ports in Tamil Nadu.