Updates | Cyclone Fengal: Heavy Rains Batter TN and Puducherry; 'Delayed' Landfall Could Strengthen Showers in Chennai

 

Cyclone Fengal: Heavy Rains Batter TN and Puducherry; Delayed Landfall May Intensify Showers in Chennai

Cyclone Fengal, currently located about 110 km from Chennai over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall between Marakkanam and Mahabalipuram, with wind speeds reaching up to 90 km/h.

On Saturday, heavy rains and gusty winds lashed Chennai and several parts of northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, disrupting normal life as the cyclone continued its approach toward the coast.

While the official forecast from the Met Office had initially predicted landfall this evening, it now appears that the cyclone will make landfall late tonight or early on December 1. Experts warn that a delayed landfall could bring even heavier rains to Tamil Nadu, with significant impact expected for North Coastal Tamil Nadu and parts of Puducherry.

Key Developments:

• Chennai: Over 134 locations reported waterlogging, and 7 key subways were closed due to the heavy rain.

• Chennai Airport: Operations were suspended from 12 PM to 7 PM due to strong crosswinds caused by the cyclone.

• Public Transport: Services on ECR and OMR were suspended until Saturday afternoon.

• Alerts: A red alert remains in effect for seven districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry. The IMD has indicated that the red alert may continue in North Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and neighboring districts, post-landfall.

• Orange Alert: Issued for several districts, including Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal.

• Government Actions: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin reviewed the situation, confirming that precautionary measures, relief camps, and food distribution were in place for affected areas. The government declared a holiday for educational institutions on November 30 and advised IT firms to implement work-from-home policies.

Chennai's Essential Services:

• Aavin milk supply remained unaffected, and power supply was largely normal in many areas.

• Chennai Metro Rail reported that services were operational, though it warned passengers of potential inundation in specific parking areas.

• Suburban services: The MRTS section between Chennai Beach and Velachery was suspended. Other EMU train services in the Chennai division will run with reduced frequency until further notice.

• Train Services: Express and superfast trains were not significantly affected, though some delays were reported.

Rainfall Data:

Since 8:30 AM, heavy rainfall was recorded across several areas. Meenambakkam reported 10.2 cm, Kolapakkam received 10.25 cm, Nungambakkam recorded 9.7 cm, and Nandanam experienced 8.2 cm. Many other areas saw rainfall exceeding 7.0 cm.

Rains Intensify as Cyclone Fengal Approaches the Coast

According to the latest update from the IMD, Cyclone Fengal is currently located 100 km east-northeast of Puducherry, 100 km southeast of Chennai, 190 km north-northeast of Nagapattinam, and 420 km north of Trincomalee. The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry this evening, with winds of 70-80 km/h, gusting up to 90 km/h.

As Fengal moves closer to the coast, rainfall has intensified across North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The cyclone's primary rain bands began affecting Chennai and surrounding areas around 3:30 AM on Saturday, bringing continuous rainfall of varying intensities.

By Saturday morning, Chennai experienced moderate to heavy rainfall, which is expected to persist throughout the day, leading to localized waterlogging in low-lying areas and causing trees to be uprooted in several locations.

The IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations in interior Tamil Nadu on December 1, with continued heavy rainfall expected in the state on December 2 and 3.

So far, the northern parts of Chennai have experienced the heaviest rainfall, with Kathivakkam recording the highest at around 12 cm, according to GCC data. Other areas such as Basin Bridge, Thiruvottiyur, Tondiarpet, Sholinganallur, and Ponneri have received rainfall amounts ranging from 8 to 9.4 cm. On average, Chennai has recorded about 6.7 cm of rain as of 8:30 AM on Saturday.

A red alert is in effect for seven districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall expected, and extremely heavy rain at a few locations.

An orange alert has been issued for isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in districts including Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and the Karaikal region.

As Cyclone Fengal moves slowly towards the coast, weather experts anticipate the heaviest rainfall to occur between Marakkanam and Pulicat. Observations indicate that the cyclone shifted more northward than westward overnight, suggesting that its landfall could occur closer to Mahabalipuram rather than Pondicherry.

CM Reviews Situation as Tamil Nadu Braces for Cyclone Impact

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held a review meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre with senior officials and later assured the public that all necessary precautionary measures had been implemented. Camps have been set up for people in vulnerable areas, and food distribution efforts are underway. The Chief Minister also inspected a pumping station as part of the preparedness activities.

The Tamil Nadu government urged residents to stay indoors, declaring November 30 a holiday for educational institutions. IT companies were advised to allow employees to work from home. Public transport along the East Coast Road and Old Mahabalipuram Road, which are close to the shoreline, has been suspended until Saturday afternoon.

An official statement from the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority advised the public to avoid visiting beaches, amusement parks, or participating in recreational events. The government also called on citizens to cooperate fully with the disaster prevention measures being implemented.

Construction companies were urged to secure equipment and machinery to prevent them from falling due to strong winds, while those with advertisement hoardings were asked to ensure they were safely removed.

In line with safety measures, 4,153 boats have returned to shore, and 2,229 relief camps are ready for use if needed. As of now, 471 people from 164 families have been accommodated in six relief centres in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts. The state has prepared boats, generators, motor pumps, and other necessary equipment, while NDRF and state teams have been deployed across several districts including Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Chengelpet, and Chennai. Senior officials have been assigned to coordinate efforts with district authorities.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has deployed 22,000 personnel, including engineers and sanitary workers, to manage the situation. A total of 1,686 motor pumps of varying capacities, including 25-hp and 100-hp pumps, have been mobilized. Additionally, 484 tractor-mounted heavy-duty pumps and 137 high-capacity pumps have been deployed. The GCC is working around the clock to clear waterlogging at 134 locations, and five of the nine fallen trees have already been cleared.

Reservoirs such as Chembarambakkam and Poondi, which supply Chennai's drinking water, are receiving substantial inflows. The Chembarambakkam reservoir is currently at 62% capacity.

Residents in low-lying areas like Madipakkam have moved their vehicles to safer locations, such as the nearby Velachery flyover, in anticipation of heavy rains. Roads have largely been deserted, with civic workers, police, and fire and rescue personnel actively engaged in rain-related relief and rescue operations.

State-run transport corporations are operating limited services in Chennai and surrounding areas. EMU train services in the Chennai division are running at reduced frequencies, with some delays reported in express and superfast trains. Chennai Metro services remain operational without major disruptions, though passengers have been informed of potential flooding in specific station parking areas.

Chennai Airport suspended operations from 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM due to severe weather. This caused disruptions to the departure and arrival schedules of both domestic and international flights, with some flights diverted to Bengaluru and Tiruchirappalli. At least 18 flights were cancelled, and 12 others were delayed. IndiGo Airlines temporarily halted operations, which will resume once the weather improves.

With rough seas, police have barricaded access to popular beaches, including the Marina and Mamallapuram, to ensure public safety.