Just in: Cyclone Vardah slams into Chennai with heavy rain and gusty winds. Wind speeds are near 100-120 kmph.  The state government has reportedly evacuated at least 7357 people to 72 relief centres.

As per army sources, seven army columns have been placed on standby to carry out rescue and relief operations.

Meanwhile the Director of the Meteorological Department (MeT), S. Balachandran, said that the landfall in coastal area are expected to occur at around 2 pm and 4 pm. A landfall is often accompanied by strong winds, lashing rain and rising sea waves that could endanger people and cause damage to property inland. A landfall is when the eye of the storm moves over land.

"Vardah, which is lying 87 kilometres east of Bay of Bengal and moving in a westward direction, is expected to make a land fall close to Chennai between 2 to 4 pm," said Met director.

"North region of Tamil Nadu and South of Andhra expected to receive heavy rainfall and winds," he added.

Navy chief PRO Captain DK Sharma also said that the Cyclone Vardah is expected to make a landfall by 2.30 pm.

"Massive uprooting of trees are being reported, Cyclone Vardah is likely to make a landfall by 2:30 pm," Sharma said, adding that two ships of the Navy, Shivalik and Kadmatt are already deployed in north area to render immediate assistance if required.

'Cyclone Vardah' is centered over west central and adjoining Southewest Bay of Bengal a few km north east of Chennai and Nellore.

Cellphone towers have crashed in several parts of Chennai affecting connectivity.