Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall on the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on Saturday evening, bringing significant disruptions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 90 kmph as the storm approaches the coastline.
The cyclone, which developed over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is currently located about 100 km east-northeast of Puducherry and 100 km southeast of Chennai. Moving west-northwestward at a speed of 10 kmph, the storm is expected to slow slightly as it nears land, with wind speeds likely to range from 70-90 kmph at landfall.
Impact on Coastal Areas and Chennai: Traffic Chaos and Flight Diversions
A warning has been issued to areas ranging from Tiruvallur to Nagapattinam on sustained winds of 50-70kmph likely on Sunday. Chennai, however, is already under downpour after which traffic came to a standstill on several roads such as New Washermanpet, Gemini Flyover, and Mount Road, where water collected ankle-deep. Rougher seas and stronger winds conjoined the city with major weather shocks.
The IMD confirmed the latest updates about Chennai and nearby regions; therefore, heavy rains will continue under the force of Cyclone Fengal. Several airlines have made travel advisories in relation to adverse weather conditions. Passengers are encouraged to check for their flight statuses for any possible delays or cancellations.
International Airport at Chennai opens temporarily between 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturday, citing safety concerns from airlines. The airport authority has asked the passengers to keep track of their flight statuses as airlines adjust their schedules. IndiGo and other airlines have diverted flights to alternative airports because of the cyclone.
#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Waterlogging witnessed in Poonamallee High Road (EVR Periyar Salai) near the Egmore area of Chennai after the capital city received heavy rainfall as Cyclone Fengal intensifies. pic.twitter.com/eiXwYO3DiK
— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2024
Puducherry on High Alert, Coastal Areas Closed
In view of Cyclone Fengal’s approaching foe impact, Puducherry heightens security measures. The Puducherry Police have deployed 300 personnel across the beaches and coastal roads to ensure safety of these really popular tourist spots including Marina Beach, Pattinapakkam and Edward Elliot Beach. These beaches have been closed to the public as a precautionary measure. The advisory goes for the public against venturing into these areas, which are expected to be affected by gusty winds and rough sea conditions a few hours later.
The effects of the cyclonic storm are already being experienced in the coastal parts of Puducherry, where there has been moderate rainfall and rough seas. According to the IMD, this will get upgraded to even more rainfall, which may cause flooding and disruptions, especially in the low-lying coastal areas. Fishermen are advised against going to sea because of high waves and dangerous conditions.
Heavy Rains and Crop Damage in Tamil Nadu
Cyclone Fengal’s heavy rains have started hammering Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta region. The worst hit districts like Tiruvarur, Thiruthuraipoondi, and Mayiladuthurai have suffered great losses in paddy fields. The heavy rains are still pouring down and are likely to get aggravated, further damaging crops and disrupting daily lives.
As per the IMD forecast, still heavier rains are in the offing for the next few hours, especially for the districts of Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam. Localized flooding, expected to disrupt transport and agriculture, is also being warned of. With such a scare brought about by cyclone intensification, schools in some of the affected districts like Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai have had to be taken off for the day. The schools in areas like Chennai and Kanchipuram will remain open while things may change depending on future happenings.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Heavy rain and gusty winds witnessed in Marakanam. #CycloneFengal pic.twitter.com/zwnGKHEXY7
— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2024
Cyclone Fengal’s Path and Future Impact
Cyclone Fengal is currently moving northward at a speed of approximately 10 km/h and is situated around 470 km southeast of Nagapattinam and 670 km south-southeast of Chennai. As it nears the coast, the cyclone is expected to intensify, with the IMD forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, particularly along the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts. Authorities are on high alert, with emergency response teams ready to assist those affected by the storm.
Naming of Cyclones: Why ‘Fengal’?
Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to help increase public awareness and ensure effective response measures. The name ‘Fengal’ was given by Saudi Arabia as part of the WMO’s naming system, which aims to make storms easily identifiable, helping people take timely action. The naming system has been credited with improving disaster preparedness and response efforts across the region.
As Cyclone Fengal makes its way towards landfall, authorities continue to focus on minimizing the impact on residents and the infrastructure in affected areas. With schools closed, flight schedules disrupted, and coastal areas heavily guarded, the next few hours will be crucial in assessing the extent of the storm’s damage. Residents are urged to stay informed, avoid coastal areas, and follow the guidelines issued by local authorities to stay safe.
ALSO READ: Cyclone Fengal: Chennai Airport Shuts Down, 20 Hyderabad Flights Cancelled
