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. Having spent its force, Cyclone Nilam was forecast to move across Tamil Nadu and into Andhra Pradesh overnight. The storm brought heavy rains and gusty winds along Tamil Nadu's 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 access to several 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 had been evacuated to safer locations before the storm hit, are now expected to begin moving back into their homes.

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