The Chennai Airport has announced a suspension of operations from 12 pm to 7 pm on Saturday, citing strong crosswinds caused by Cyclone Fengal. The decision, made in consultation with airlines and meteorological experts, aims to prioritize safety as the storm approaches with wind speeds expected to exceed 35 knots.
The severe weather has led to widespread disruptions in flight schedules. Airlines, including IndiGo, have temporarily ceased operations at Chennai Airport, diverting flights to alternative cities such as Bengaluru.
An Indigo flight from Abu Dhabi, scheduled to land at 8:10 am, was rerouted to Bengaluru. Additionally, an Air India Express flight to Singapore was canceled due to technical issues, and a SriLankan Airlines flight to Colombo, set to depart at 9:40 am, has been canceled for the day due to adverse conditions. Passengers from affected flights are being accommodated in nearby hotels, according to airport sources.
Persistent Rain and Red Alert in Seven Districts
Cyclone Fengal has brought heavy rainfall to Chennai since the early hours of Saturday, leading to waterlogging in several areas.
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The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for seven districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Puducherry, warning of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy downpours at select locations.
The cyclone, currently moving northward, is expected to make landfall between North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry later today, with wind speeds reaching up to 90 km/h. Weather experts suggest the storm may make landfall closer to Mahabalipuram than previously anticipated.
Precautions and Forecast
Authorities are urging residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant as rainfall is likely to persist throughout the day. On December 1, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in interior Tamil Nadu, gradually decreasing to isolated heavy rain on December 2 and 3.
As Chennai braces for the impact of Cyclone Fengal, airport officials and emergency services continue to monitor the situation, prioritizing safety and preparedness.
