The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai announced that the deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclonic Storm Fengal on Friday afternoon. Moving north-northwestward at a speed of 13 kmph, the storm is now positioned approximately 300 km southeast of Chennai, 260 km east of Nagapattinam, and 270 km east-southeast of Puducherry.
Cyclone Fengal is expected to move west-northwestwards, crossing the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline between Karaikal and Mamallapuram, near Puducherry, on Saturday afternoon (November 30). The system is forecast to bring wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 90 kmph during landfall.
Rainfall Warnings and Impacted Areas
Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected across several regions:
Friday (November 29): Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam districts in Tamil Nadu, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal, are likely to experience intense downpours.
Saturday (November 30): The day of landfall could bring torrential rainfall to seven coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, and neighbouring Puducherry. Delta districts and northern interior areas are also forecast to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Preparedness Measures
Local authorities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have been put on high alert, with preparations underway to manage potential flooding, disruptions, and evacuations if needed. Coastal residents are advised to remain cautious and avoid venturing into the sea as conditions are expected to worsen.
Stay updated with real-time alerts and safety instructions from the Meteorological Department and disaster management authorities as Cyclone Fengal approaches.
