New Delhi: Cyclonic storm 'Maha' in the Arabian Sea has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm on Thursday, the India Meteorological Department said. IMD has also issued an orange alert for five districts in Karnataka and Kerala. Besides, in the next 24 hours, heavy rains are likely in most districts of Tamil Nadu, including those along the western ghats. So far no major casualty has been reported, howevr, the state governments have cautioned tourists against travelling to beaches and opened a control room.

1) The Cyclonic storm MAHA over Lakshadweep and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea moved further north-northwestwards and intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and lay centered over eastcentral Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep area about 90 km north-northeast of Aminidivi (Lakshadweep) and 25 km east-north east of Chetlat(Lakshadweep), IMD said.

2) As the cyclone intensified, the IMD said gale winds very likely to increase upto 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph over eastcentral Arabian Sea from midnight.

3) During the next 24 hours, gale wind speed reaching 80-90 kmph gusting to 100kmph was likely to prevail over northern parts of Lakshadweep area and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea during the subsequent 24 hours and decrease gradually.

4) Sea conditions over Lakshadweep area and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea will be high to very high during the next 24 hours and rough to very rough in the subsequent 24 hours.

5) Tidal wave by about one metre height above the astronomical tides is very likely to inundate low lying areas of Lakshadweep Islands during next 12 hours.

6) Fishermen are advised not to venture over east-central Arabian Sea till November 4, IMD said.

7) Under Maha's influence, Lakshadweep was likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall, even as IMD has issued "red message" for the island. The "red message" technically refers to "take action," meaning the state government machinery has to remain on standby.

8) About 33 places in the state and the Union Territory received heavy rains while there were very heavy rains in four locations.

9) As per the report, the cyclone, unlikely to make a landfall in Kerala, is expected to intensify, with wind speeds of 90-140km per hour accompanied torrential rains along the state's coastal regions.

10) Authorities evacuated 140 families from Edavanakkad fishing village in Ernakulam district on Thursday.

(with inputs from PTI)