Cyclone Fengal Highlights: Cyclonic storm fengal crosses Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, Weakens gradually

Flight operations at Chennai International Airport resumed on Sunday morning after Cyclone Fengal crossed the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts.

Shiva, a passenger traveling to Abu Dhabi, shared his experience: “We have been waiting since 8 PM last night. The airline hasn’t responded, and we weren’t even provided water or food.” Many passengers faced similar challenges during the disruption.

Authorities in Tamil Nadu have cleared roads in Chennai’s Besant Nagar after trees were uprooted by gusty winds and rain as Cyclone Fengal approaches with intensified impact.

The Cyclonic Storm "Fengal" (pronounced FEINJAL) has intensified over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, moving west-northwestward at 10 kmph. As of 11:30 AM today, the storm was located approximately 100 km east-northeast of Puducherry, 100 km southeast of Chennai, 190 km north-northeast of Nagappattinam, and 420 km north of Trincomalee.

Fengal is forecast to move nearly westwards and make landfall between the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts, near Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, later this evening. The storm is expected to bring wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph. Authorities anticipate a slower movement of the storm as it approaches the coast.

Suburban train services on the MRTS section between Chennai Beach and Velachery have been suspended from 12:15 PM onwards due to strong winds, with speeds ranging between 65-73 kmph. The announcement was made by the Chennai Division's Public Relations Office.

Passengers affected by the suspension can seek assistance through the following helpline numbers:

Ahead of Cyclone Fengal's expected landfall near Puducherry, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed the state's disaster preparedness. He visited the Disaster Management Control room in Chennai to assess the situation. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran also chaired a meeting on the ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact.

Heavy Rainfall Expected in Tamil Nadu from December 1-3

The India Meteorological Department has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of interior Tamil Nadu on December 1. Further, heavy rainfall is likely in various parts of the state on December 2 and 3, as the cyclone moves closer. Authorities are on high alert, preparing for potential disruptions.

Control rooms have been set up at the collectorate and various line departments. Toll-free numbers 112 and 1077, along with a dedicated WhatsApp number, 94889 81070, have been made available to assist people in crisis.

Puducherry witnessed heavy rainfall on Saturday morning as Cyclone Fengal approached the region, prompting the district administration to send SMS alerts to over 12 lakh residents, urging them to stay cautious.

District Collector A. Kulothungan assured that necessary measures were in place to ensure public safety. “We have evacuated people from low-lying areas and readied shelter homes to accommodate them. Food packets have also been arranged,” he said, adding that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team from Arakkonam had arrived to assist with relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The cyclone is expected to make landfall near Puducherry later in the day, with forecasts indicating it will cross between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram. Control rooms have been set up at the collectorate and other key locations, and residents in need of assistance can contact toll-free numbers 112, 1077, or WhatsApp at 94889 81070.

In response to the impending storm, authorities have closed beach roads and tourist spots to prevent movement near the seashore. Schools and colleges remain shut, and the government has advised residents to stay indoors for their safety.

Cyclone 'Fengal' is set to make landfall this evening, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing warnings for rough sea conditions and strong winds. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and a red alert has been issued for several regions in southern India, including the coastal areas of north Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh.

Heavy Rainfall and Rough Sea Conditions in Chennai

Chennai has experienced heavy to moderate rainfall since last night, which has led to turbulent sea conditions and gusty winds. Authorities have advised the public to stay away from popular beaches like Marina Beach, Pattinapakkam, and Edward Elliot Beach due to the dangerous conditions. In addition, tourist spots in Puducherry have been closed as a precautionary measure.

With the cyclone expected to make landfall in the evening, the weather in many coastal areas has taken a turn, with rain and winds intensifying throughout the day.

As Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall this evening, Dr. S. Balachandran, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, stated on Friday that the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu will experience the most impact. He explained that the crossing point of the cyclone lies between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry, and the coastal districts will face stronger effects.

"There will be wind and rainfall. The wind speed today was 50-60 km/h, gusting up to 70 km/h," Dr. Balachandran said. "From 1 to 2 PM, extremely heavy rainfall is expected, with scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall in many areas," he added.

The IMD has predicted isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy showers expected in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore districts, and Puducherry. Additionally, heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated locations in Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam districts, and the Karaikal region.