Cyclone Fengal: Heavy rains expected to continue in northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu

Chennai: Because of Cyclone Fengal’s effects, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai predicted that Saturday will see an extended period of heavy rain in Tamil Nadu’s north coastal districts. The state meteorological agency reports that isolated heavy to very heavy rain is predicted for one or two locations today across the districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villuppuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry.

“Isolated locations over the districts of Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal are likely to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.” In isolated locations throughout the districts of Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai, and Karur, heavy rain is anticipated, according to a statement from the Tamil Nadu IMD.

Cyclone ‘Fengal’ over the Southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwest earlier, and later in the day, it is predicted to reach the beaches of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, according to IMD.

“The Cyclonic Storm “FENGAL” [pronounced as FEINJAL] over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 12 kmph during the past 6 hours and lay centred at 0530 hours IST of today, the 30th November 2024, over the same region near latitude 12.2°N and longitude 81.2°E, about 150 km east of Puducherry, 140 km southeast of Chennai, 210 km northeast of Nagappattinam and 400 km north of Trincomalee,” RMC said.

“It is likely to move nearly westwards and cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during the evening of November 30,” the meteorological service said.

In addition to satellite data, the IMD said that the meteorological service is regularly monitoring Cyclone Fengal using Doppler weather radars in Chennai (S band), Sriharikota, and Chennai (X band).

A red warning was issued yesterday for many southern states, including the beaches of south Andhra Pradesh, and the IMD predicts that the cyclone would strike the coastal regions of north Tamil Nadu this evening.

The effect of Cyclone Fengal caused weather changes in numerous coastal locations, including rain and high gusts. Strong winds and severe sea conditions have resulted from Chennai’s continuous heavy to moderate rains from yesterday night till this morning.

The public was cautioned by government officials not to visit the city’s beaches, such as Marina Beach, Pattinapakkam, and Edward Elliot Beach. Due to the approaching storm Fengal, Puducherry’s tourist attractions have been shuttered as a precaution.
Earlier in the day, a group headed by SSP Kalaivanan went to examine the beaches in the coastal region.

Security has been increased on Puducherry’s coastal routes and surrounding regions, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kalaivanan.

In Puducherry, the sea waves are seen to be rough because of Cyclone Fanjal. Roads around the shore have also been blocked, and barriers have been put up to keep people out. Speaking to the media, the SSP said that around 300 police officers are also engaged in security operations.

According to IMD, Puducherry saw a modest amount of rain this morning, although there was more than typical sea turbulence.

No public has been permitted to enter the coastal region, according to SSP Kalaivanan, who also said that the police and administration are ready to deal with Cyclone Fenchal.

Since previous night, the Ranipet district of Tamil Nadu and the neighboring regions have had considerable rainfall. Since yesterday morning, the Ranipet area has been experiencing chilly winds. Since previous night, there has been consistent, moderate rainfall in the Ranipet district’s Walajapet and other nearby places.

Nine districts have been given a vacation after the IMD’s warnings about severe rains.

The district government of Kanchipuram had already declared Saturday a vacation in schools and institutions. On November 30, this order was issued for all of the district’s educational institutions, including private ones.