India: Cyclone Gaja makes landfall in Tamil Nadu, kills at least 10

Deadly Gaja will continue to blast southern India with flooding rain and damaging winds into Friday.

"Gaja made landfall along the coast of Tamil Nadu as a severe cyclonic storm between Vedaranyam and Velankanni shortly after midnight local time," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski.

Damaging winds and flooding rain will threaten areas in the vicinity of landfall. Wind speeds of 80-115 km/h (50-70 mph) are expected near the storm's center with gusts to 130 km/h (80 mph).

Such winds can damage trees and weak structures, as well as cause power outages.

"As the winds howl, Gaja will also bring a risk for flooding to the areas in the vicinity of where the cyclone comes onshore," Pydynowski said. "A total of 100-150 mm (4-6 inches) with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 200 mm (8 inches) of rain can lead to widespread flooding issues."

Residents should prepare for road closures, as well as streams and small rivers rising out of their banks and flooding neighboring land and homes. Those living in flood-prone areas may be forced to evacuate their homes.