Cyclone Fengal Update: As North India braces for severe cold, unseasonal rains have gripped South India due to the impending Cyclone Fengal. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall and strong winds in Tamil Nadu and surrounding regions.
Cyclone’s Path and Intensity
IMD reports indicate a cyclonic storm forming over the southern Bay of Bengal, expected to intensify and reach Tamil Nadu’s coast within two days. This storm, named Fengal, is likely to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh, along with gusty winds reaching speeds of 65-75 km/h.
Tamil Nadu | Due to continuous rainfall in the district, Tiruchirappalli District Collector Pradeep Kumar has announced a holiday for all schools & colleges in the district today.
— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2024
Schools Shut Down
Rainfall from the cyclone has already begun affecting Tamil Nadu. Schools in districts such as Trichy, Ramanathapuram, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Tiruvallur have been closed as a precautionary measure.
Airlines Issue Travel Advisory
IndiGo Airlines has issued an advisory, citing disruptions in flight operations to and from Chennai, Tuticorin, and Madurai. Flights in Tiruchirapalli and Salem may also face delays or cancellations.
#6ETravelAdvisory: Due to adverse weather conditions, flights to/from #Chennai, #Tuticorin, and #Madurai continue to be impacted, while #Tiruchirappalli and #Salem might now also be affected. Please stay updated on your flight status via https://t.co/VhykW6WdB1. (1/2)
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) November 26, 2024
NDRF Teams on Standby
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin convened a high-level meeting to assess preparedness. Seven NDRF teams have been deployed to vulnerable districts, including Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore. Fishermen have been advised to avoid the sea until November 29, and those at sea have been urged to return immediately.
சென்னை மக்களுக்கு #UdhayanidhiStalin பிறந்தநாள் பரிசு ✌️
#DMKFailsTN #ChennaiRains #Chennai #HeavyRain #HappyJholetDay pic.twitter.com/xF9F7Q57y0
— MrChinraasu(WarRoomCommander) (@GokulRajKongu3) November 27, 2024
Key Warnings
- Heavy to very heavy rains are predicted across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Strong winds are expected along the Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Sri Lanka coasts between November 27-29.
Residents are urged to stay cautious as Cyclone Fengal approaches, potentially causing significant disruptions across the region.
