New Delhi ( CNN ) -- Lashing winds and heavy rain pummeled India 's southeastern coastline Friday as Cyclone Thane roared onshore killing at least 19 people . The storm uprooted trees , ripped off traffic signals from their posts and sent shards of glass and other debris whizzing through the air . Roads began to flood and communications were tough because of cellular service outages . Thane hit the states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and the union territory of Puducherry . But it took a decidedly southern turn as it made landfall , severely affecting the Tamil Nadu district of Cuddalore , south of the city of Chennai . Winds were gusting in Cuddalore at almost 90 miles per hour . At least 12 people died in Cuddalore , said Amuthavalli , the district 's top official who goes by a single name . She told CNN the fatalities were the result of wall collapses and electrocution . No major rescue operations were required . The death toll in the district is not expected to rise greatly , she said . Emergency crews were working to restore power supplies and clear roads of fallen trees and downed power lines , she added . Meteorologists downgraded Cyclone Thane from `` very severe '' to `` severe '' once it came over land and began to lose steam . By lunchtime , it had weakened further to a `` deep depression '' as it moved westward . Fishermen were advised to stay off rough seas throughout the day and coastal residents had been told to evacuate to higher ground ahead of the storm 's arrival . Many people in largely agricultural and fishing communities along the coast live in thatched-roof huts that could sustain extensive damage , the India Meteorological Department said Friday . Parts of coastal and inland Tamil Nadu and Puducherry can expect heavy rainfall over the next day , the agency said . Heavy rain is also forecast for parts of Andhra Pradesh , as well as northern Kerala and southern Karnataka . CNN 's Moni Basu contributed to this report .
NEW : The winds uprooted trees and sent birds flying through the air . Meteorologists reported heavy rain and high winds across the region . Fisherman are told to stay at home for the day as Thane picks up high seas . Damage is expected to palm - thatched homes , trees and crops in coastal areas .