Vardah: Name of cyclone given by Pakistan; In 4 districts of TN educational institutions closed

New Delhi: The name of severe cyclonic storm 'Vardah', which at present lays over the Bay of Bengal, has been given by Pakistan. 'Vardah', which means 'red rose', is expected to hit northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh by today.  Both the coastal states are putting in place a number of measures to deal with it. By the time it makes landfall, its intensity is expected to reduce considerably. Name of cyclones in the Indian Ocean Region are decided by member countries -- India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, Maldives and Oman. The last cyclone that hit Chennai was 'Nada', a name suggested by Oman. The Regional Meteorological Centre said 'Vardah' lay centred at 330 km east of Chennai at 1430 hours on Sunday and would move westwards before making landfall between north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts by today afternoon. Schools closed in TN: The Tamil Nadu government announced holiday for all educational institutions in four districts. On December 12, heavy to very heavy rains were likely in some places in these districts, he said, adding, strong winds could gust upto 80-90 kph. Meanwhile, rainfall has lashed Chennai today. MeT said Cyclone Vardah is moving westward towards the city and is likely to cross near Chennai by today afternoon. Image courtesy: ANI-Twitter Fishermen must not to venture into the sea: The sea would be rough and fishermen are asked not to venture into the sea for the next 48 hours. TN: Senior IAS officers to monitor cyclone related work: Panneerselvam has given instructions for appointment of senior IAS officers as monitoring officers for the cyclone affected districts to oversee and monitor cyclone related works in coordination with the District Collectors.