Cyclone Fengal Brings Heavy Winds and Rainfall to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Impact Expected Saturday: New Travel Updates You Need to Know

Saturday, November 30, 2024

Cyclone Fengal has formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal and is moving towards the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts. Meteorologists predict the storm will make landfall on Saturday afternoon, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region. The storm is expected to retain its cyclonic strength, with wind speeds reaching 70-80 km/h, gusting up to 90 km/h when it hits land.

The landfall is expected to occur between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry. This will bring dangerous conditions to the coastal region, including torrential rains and powerful winds. As of now, the storm is moving northwestward at 15 km/h, positioned about 240 km east-northeast of Nagapattinam, 230 km southeast of Puducherry, and 250 km southeast of Chennai.

Tracking the storm has been difficult due to fluctuating atmospheric conditions between November 26 and 29. Advanced satellite systems have been monitoring the storm’s progression, providing vital data that helps refine weather predictions.

Weather Alerts and Warnings for Affected Regions

A red alert has been issued for several districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry, forecasting rainfall totals exceeding 20 cm on Saturday. An orange alert has been declared for the districts of Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal. As the cyclone moves inland, heavy rain is expected to continue throughout Sunday, particularly in the interior districts.

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has also issued a warning for high waves along the Tamil Nadu coast, with swells expected to reach 3.1 to 4.6 meters through Saturday evening. Fishermen have been advised to halt all sea operations and avoid venturing into the Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar, and the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, South Andhra Pradesh, and East Sri Lanka until November 30.

Additionally, a storm surge of around 1 meter above the normal tide level is expected to cause flooding in low-lying coastal areas during the storm’s landfall.

Precautionary Measures and Travel Advisory

Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay indoors during periods of intense rainfall and secure outdoor objects that could be swept away by strong winds. Those living in coastal or low-lying areas should consider relocating to safer locations as directed by local authorities.

While the rainfall on Friday remained moderate, a noticeable drop in temperature was observed across the region. In Chennai, the maximum temperature fell to 24.5°C, more than 5°C below the usual seasonal average, resulting in cooler-than-normal conditions throughout the state.

Ongoing Monitoring and Travel Disruptions

As Cyclone Fengal draws closer to the coast, authorities are on high alert, continuously monitoring the storm and providing regular updates to the public. Travel disruptions are expected, including delays and cancellations in air, sea, and rail services in affected areas. Travelers are advised to stay updated on weather warnings and adjust their plans accordingly.

With the storm’s impending arrival, it is essential for residents and visitors to remain vigilant, follow official safety advice, and be prepared for severe weather conditions. Local governments are working with meteorological teams to minimize risks, and public safety remains the top priority.

• Chennai Faces New Heavy Rain and Cyclone Threat as Tamil Nadu Issues Weather Alerts, Flight Disruptions Including IndiGo Reported

• Cyclone Remal leads to cancellation of flights from the UAE to India

• More rain is expected in several Bengali districts as “Remal” weakens into a cyclonic storm

• Cyclone Remal halts Kolkata-Agartala flight operations

• Will Cyclone Kirrily dampen New Zealand’s weekend?