"Ockhi cyclone intensified into severe cyclone and lies at about 110km northeast of Minicoy (island) and it is likely to cross Lakshadweep arch during the next 24 hours," the India Meteorological Department said in a bulletin on Friday morning. Gale winds speed reaching 110-120kmph gusting to 130kmph were very likely over and around Lakshadweep during next 24 hours. It forecast rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy at a few places and isolated extremely heavy falls (more than 20cm) over Lakshadweep area during next 24 hours. Rainfall at many places with heavy rainfall at isolated places were very likely over Kerala during next 24 hours. The Thamirabharani river in Tirunelveli district was in spate after heavy rains.

Source: The Telegraph December 01, 2017 09:56 UTC