A rain holiday has been declared for schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu’s Chennai, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Kancheepuram districts on Friday, December 9. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department predicted that cyclone Mandous is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm on Thursday evening. It is likely to weaken on Friday afternoon.

A holiday was declared for schools in Tiruvallur and for schools and colleges in Thanjavur district on Thursday, December 8, amid predictions that cyclone Mandous moving towards the coast could result in light to moderate rainfall.

Later, schools and colleges in Vellore were also instructed to issue a holiday from Thursday noon. Talking to India Today TV, Regional MET director, Balachandran, said that cyclonic storm Mandous is likely to cause minor damage to communication and power lines.

He added, “The cyclone is moving west-northwest and will likely cross between Puducherry and Sriharikota around midnight on December 9. We expect the system to cause rain today and tomorrow in the delta region. Strong winds are expected at a speed of 40-50kmph on the coast.”

Elaborating on the damage that could be incurred due to cyclone Mandous, Balachandran said, “We expect this cyclone to cause minor damage to communication and power lines, damage to thatched roof huts, tree branches and we will have to take care of old buildings.”