Cyclone Fengal Alert: IMD Warns Of Heavy Rains In Tamil Nadu, Puducherry

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in three districts of Tamil Nadu and one district in Puducherry as Cyclone Fengal approaches.

A deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm later today, bringing severe weather conditions to the region. Fishermen have been strictly advised against venturing into the sea during this period to ensure their safety. Residents are urged to stay updated on weather advisories and take necessary precautions as the cyclone moves closer.

IndiGo Airlines released a statement late on Tuesday, November 26, alerting passengers of possible flight delays and cancellations due to Cyclone Fengal. The severe weather conditions have affected flights to and from Chennai, Tuticorin, and Madurai. The airline also extended its gratitude to customers for their patience during these disruptions. Additionally, it warned that flights to Tiruchirappalli and Salem might also experience impacts, as shared in their social media update on X.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been closely monitoring the storm's progress. Initially identified as a deep depression in the Southwest Bay of Bengal, it was moving north at about 10 kmph. As of 11:30 pm on Tuesday, it was positioned approximately 670 km south-southeast of Chennai.

IMD forecasts indicate it will intensify into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday and move north-northwest, skirting close to the Sri Lanka coast before heading towards the Tamil Nadu coast over the next two days.

IMD issued a red alert for heavy rain in 3 districts in Tamil Nadu and one district in Puducherry for today, ahead of the #CycloneFengal.

⚠️ Deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm ‘Fengal’ today.

⚠️#Fishermen have been… pic.twitter.com/0m0f2IEp4U

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) November 27, 2024

In Chennai, residents have already faced widespread rainfall since the onset of Tuesday, with the IMD predicting varied intensities of rain until Thursday, November 28. The weather phenomenon has prompted a "red" alert for extremely heavy rainfall in several Tamil Nadu districts on November 26 and 27, with Chennai expected to see heavy rainfall under a "yellow" alert from November 27 to 29. Surrounding districts such as Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpet are also bracing for significant rainfall, with "yellow" and "orange" alerts in place until November 30.

S Balachandran, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, informed the media, "Yesterday's depression will intensify into a deep depression... It is likely to further intensify into a cyclonic storm and move towards the north direction, towards the Tamil Nadu coast."

The forecast for November 28 anticipates light to moderate rain across Tamil Nadu, with thunderstorms and lightning expected in many coastal areas and a few interior regions, including Puducherry and Karaikal. This weather situation underscores the importance of being prepared for sudden changes and the impact of severe weather conditions on travel plans and safety measures.