Cyclone Fengal in Tamil Nadu: Chennai braces for 70 kmph winds, schools closed in areas, flyers put out alert

Cyclone Fengal is gaining strength in the Bay of Bengal and is expected to reach between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on the morning of November 30.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the deep depression in the southwestern Bay of Bengal will turn into a cyclone within hours as it moves towards the northwest.

It is estimated that the storm will cause heavy rains in northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and surrounding areas, as well as wind speeds of 50-60 kilometers per hour and heavy rains of up to 70 kilometers per hour. Coastal areas are already experiencing adverse weather conditions; Intermittent rains and flooding are reported.

In Puducherry, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy mobilized disaster management teams and set up relief camps to shift residents living in low-lying areas. In the last 24 hours, 7.5 cm of rainfall was recorded in the union territory and 9.5 cm in Karaikal. A control room operating 24/7 has been established to coordinate emergency responses.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is actively advising fishing boats to return to port. “The Deep Depression in the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclone and move towards Tamil Nadu,” ICG said, emphasizing safety measures for sailors in X.

The Regional Meteorological Center in Chennai has predicted “heavy to very heavy rain” in many districts, including Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram and Cuddalore. Chennai, Tiruvallur and other districts are also expected to witness isolated heavy rains.

Meanwhile, IndiGo has issued travel alerts warning passengers about flight disruptions at major airports such as Chennai, Tuticorin and Madurai due to adverse weather conditions.

2,000 acres of paddy crops are reportedly partially or completely submerged in Cauvery delta areas. While intense flooding affected salt deposits in Nagapattinam and Villupuram, rain-related events, including collapse of structures and uprooting of trees, caused severe local damage.

Cyclone Fengal is expected to weaken and turn into a deep depression when it makes landfall, but it will still bring heavy rains and strong winds. Authorities want citizens to be careful and take necessary precautions as the storm approaches.