Cyclone Vardah: Heavy rains, strong winds hit Chennai - WATCH

Chennai:  Heavy rains coupled with squally winds on Monday lashed the city of Chennai as very severe cyclonic storm 'Vardah' was expected to make landfall this afternoon.

Heavy rains lashed Chennai, Tiruvallore and Kancheepuram districts since early morning even as squally winds were witnessed in these districts. Power supply was suspended in many parts of these regions as a precautionary measure.

The armed forces have been asked to be on standby with the amy, navy and air force prepared to be deployed anytime as and when required.

People in low-lying areas have been asked to move to safer zones even as various arms of the government were prepared to meet any eventuality.