Cyclone Hudhud closing in on Vizag, city virtually shut down

VISAKHAPATNAM: In what is perhaps for the first time since the India Meteorologial Department (IMD) was set up in 1891, Vizag city is in the eye of a storm.

Though Vizag city's unique topography has so far protected it from cyclonic storms, cyclone Hudhud seems to be in no mood to spare the Port City.

With the very severe cyclonic storm fast closing in on Vizag city, strong winds of 150 kmph began lashing the 'City of Destiny' right from the early morning hours of Sunday, throwing life completely out of gear and virtually shutting the city down.

Waves as high as two to three metres began pounding Beach Road right from morning and the strong howling winds forced people to remain indoors.

The heavy winds ripped through many hoardings and mud houses in the city, and uprooted several trees and electricity poles, disrupting power supply. Phone connectivity too has been hit.

Based on observations at 8am IMD Hyderabad centre director K Seetharam said Hudhud is located 74 km from Vizag and expected to make landfall between 11.30am and noon in Vizag city at wind speeds of as high as 195 kmph.

All trains and flights have been cancelled and road traffic too has come to a grinding halt as the arterial National Highway 16, which connects Chennai to Kolkata and passes through the city, was shut down from 7.30pm on Saturday to brace for the cyclonic impact and minimize loss of life and property.

http://ift.tt/1srhuEw Meteorologial Department,IMD,Cyclone Hudhud

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