Cyclone Fengal likely to cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts this evening: IMD
Wnd speeds in the Tiruvallur to Mayiladuthurai are expected to range from 70-90 kmph
Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that Cyclonic Storm Fengal is expected to cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on Saturday evening, with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph.
According to the IMD, Cyclone Fengal over the southwest Bay of Bengal is moving west-northwestwards at a speed of 10 kmph and is currently located near latitude 12.3° N and longitude 80.7° E, approximately 100 km east-northeast of Puducherry and 100 km southeast of Chennai.
"It is likely to move nearly westwards and cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, close to Puducherry, as a cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph, during the evening of November 30. There is a possibility of a slowdown in the system's movement as it approaches the coast. The system is being continuously monitored," the IMD stated.
The visuals of the city showed the roads are inundated due to heavy rainfall. Several parts of Chennai city faced water logging issues. Waterlog till ankle level in New Washermanpet, from Gemini flyover and mount road area and also Vehicles like Cars and Two wheelers are moving slow and suffering to cross the water.
Due to the Cyclone Fengal's impact, many coastal areas witnessed changes in weather with gusty winds and rains. Chennai has witnessed incessant heavy to moderate rainfall from last night till this morning, which has caused rough sea conditions with strong winds.
In view of cyclone, Multiple airlines issued travel advisories and updates on their flight services due to heavy rains in Chennai.
Authorities have alerted and advised the fishermen not to venture into the sea due to the high waves and turbulent conditions. The public were also advised not to visit beaches in the metropolis, including Marina Beach, Pattinapakkam and Edward Elliot Beach. The tourist spots in Puducherry have been closed as a precautionary measure, owing to the cyclone Fengal.
The IMD also noted that wind speeds in the Tiruvallur to Mayiladuthurai regions are expected to range from 70-90 kmph during landfall. On Sunday, coastal areas from Tiruvallur to Nagapattinam districts are expected to experience wind speeds of 50-70 kmph.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall lashed several parts of Tamil Nadu as the cyclone approached. In Chennai, visuals showed waterlogged roads due to incessant rainfall. Several areas, including New Washermanpet, the Gemini Flyover, and Mount Road, reported ankle-deep waterlogging, causing slow movement and difficulties for vehicles, including cars and two-wheelers.
Cyclone Fengal has also caused rough sea conditions, strong winds, and incessant rainfall in Chennai since last night. The IMD stated that the cyclone is being closely monitored using Doppler weather radars at Chennai (S-band), Sriharikota, and Chennai (X-band), along with satellite observations.
In light of the cyclone, multiple airlines have issued travel advisories and updates on flight services due to the heavy rains in Chennai. Authorities have also advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea due to high waves and turbulent conditions. Residents have been urged to stay away from beaches, including Marina Beach, Pattinapakkam, and Edward Elliot's Beach, while tourist spots in Puducherry have been temporarily closed as a precaution.