The deep depression initially observed over the South Bay of Bengal has intensified into the cyclonic storm ‘Michaung,’ and it is expected to maintain a north-northwestward trajectory, gaining further strength as it approaches the Westcentral Bay of Bengal near the south Andhra Pradesh and adjacent north Tamil Nadu coasts by this afternoon.
As of the latest update from the Indian Meteorological Department, cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’ has elevated to a severe cyclonic storm, recorded at 8:30 am on December 4, approximately 90 km East-northeast of Chennai. The forecast indicates its subsequent movement nearly northwards, running parallel and in close proximity to the south Andhra Pradesh coast. The storm is anticipated to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam on the south Andhra Pradesh coast during the forenoon of December 5, presenting as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed ranging from 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, as detailed in the official release by the Indian Meteorological Department.
An orange alert has been issued for Andhra Pradesh and the adjacent north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts in anticipation of cyclone Michaung’s approach to the south Andhra Pradesh coast. The IMD has issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall on December 4th and 5th in north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are also expected to experience light to moderate rainfall in most areas, with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few locations and extremely heavy falls at isolated places on December 4th and 5th.
The relentless rainfall has resulted in severe waterlogging in various parts of Chennai and neighboring regions. This has led to substantial traffic disruptions, with vehicles submerged in water in multiple areas of Chennai. The continuous heavy rain overnight has exacerbated the situation, causing widespread waterlogging and traffic jams across the city. Due to the adverse weather conditions, the Chennai airfield has suspended arrival and departure operations until 11 pm today. Additionally, eleven express trains from Chennai Central were canceled on Monday as water levels reached the danger mark at Bridge No. 14 between Vyasarpadi and Basin Bridge, owing to the intense downpours.
