Chennai braces for heavy rainfall and potential disruptions as Cyclone Senyar intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, prompting the IMD to issue orange alerts.
Chennai: Cyclone Senyar, a system over the Strait of Malacca and adjoining northeast Indonesia, has intensified into a cyclonic storm as of 26 November 2025, moving westwards at 10 kmph.
The storm is centred near latitude 5.0°N and longitude 98.0°E, approximately 260 km west-southwest of George Town, Malaysia, and 600 km east-southeast of Nancowry, Nicobar Islands. It is expected to maintain cyclonic intensity for the next 24 hours before gradually weakening, crossing the Indonesian coast around latitude 5.0°N later on 26 November.
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Meanwhile, Chennai and coastal districts of Tamil Nadu are on high alert due to a developing low-pressure system over the Comorin region and southwest Bay of Bengal. Forecasts indicate it may strengthen into a depression by 27 November and potentially evolve into Cyclone Senyar. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Chennai on 29 November, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Coastal districts from Tiruvallur to Ramanathapuram are included in the alert. By 30 November, the city will move to a yellow alert with expected rainfall of 6–12 cm in 24 hours.
City officials have urged residents and commuters to prepare for significant disruptions. Areas prone to waterlogging include T. Nagar, Guindy junction, Velachery main road, GST Road, Kodambakkam bridge, Adyar river stretch, Madhavaram, Perambur bridge, and Koyambedu bus corridor. Precautionary measures may include feeder shutdowns by Tangedco, causing intermittent power cuts in localities like Pallikaranai, Mogappair, KK Nagar, and parts of North Chennai.
Earlier, a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal caused flooding in Thanjavur and waterlogging in Thoothukudi, with electric pumps deployed to drain excess water. Meteorologists emphasise that while extreme rainfall may not occur in Chennai, even moderate rainfall can lead to severe water stagnation, necessitating caution. Commuters are advised to leave early, avoid underpasses, and expect traffic diversions during intense spells.
Residents are advised to stay updated with IMD alerts, secure property, and follow official instructions to minimise risks during the cyclone period.
Published: 26 Nov 2025, 09:29 am IST
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