Cyclonic storm Nilam that hit the Tamil Nadu coast last evening, is now expected to weaken gradually into a deep depression, as it moves north-westwards. Nilam struck the historic port of Mahabalipuram, 50 kilometres south of Chennai on Wednesday evening. 4 people are reported dead and 6 missing. It was forecast to cross Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh overnight, having lost its force. The storm brought heavy rains and gusty winds along the coastal belt. Strong winds with speeds of up to 80kmph triggered huge waves and chaos in Mahabalipuram. In Chennai, powerful gusts of wind uprooted more than 200 trees and 50 electricity poles, blocking off many localities for several hours. Schools and colleges in Chennai, which have been closed since Monday, will not reopen till Friday. Nearly 4,000 people who were evacuated before the storm hit will now start moving back to their homes.

For more log on to http://www.newsx.com