Cyclone Fengal, which formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal on Saturday afternoon, is now forecast to make landfall later than initially predicted. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert, warning of heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal over the next four days due to the storm's slow-moving nature. As of 8:30 am IST on November 30, the storm was located at latitude 12.3°N and longitude 80.9°E, around 120 km east-northeast of Puducherry, 110 km southeast of Chennai, and 200 km north-northeast of Nagapattinam.

Moving westward at 13 km/h, Cyclone Fengal is expected to cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry, by Saturday night. Wind speeds are forecast to reach 70-80 km/h, with gusts up to 90 km/h, as it makes landfall. The slow movement of the cyclone has allowed it to gather additional moisture, intensifying rainfall in both coastal and interior regions of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Tiruvallur to Mayiladuthurai areas are expected to experience winds of 70-90 km/h at landfall, while the coastal areas from Tiruvallur to Nagapattinam are predicted to face winds of 50-70 km/h on Sunday. As the storm makes landfall, heavy rainfall and gusty winds will impact several districts, with the possibility of rough sea conditions.

The arrival of Cyclone Fengal has caused widespread disruptions in Chennai, where heavy rainfall led to waterlogging in several areas. Roads in New Washermanpet, Gemini Flyover, and Mount Road were submerged, with water levels rising to ankle-deep in some parts. Vehicles, including cars and two-wheelers, struggled to navigate the flooded streets.

The IMD continues to monitor the storm through Doppler weather radars at Chennai, Sriharikota, and satellite observations. The cyclone’s slow progression has heightened concerns about prolonged heavy rainfall and strong winds, with the storm expected to bring severe weather conditions for several days.

In response to the storm, multiple airlines have issued travel advisories, anticipating potential disruptions due to the heavy rainfall in Chennai. Authorities have warned fishermen not to venture into the sea due to high waves and turbulent conditions. Public access to beaches in Chennai, including Marina, Pattinapakkam, and Edward Elliot Beach, has been restricted, and tourist spots in Puducherry have been closed as a precaution.

Alerts

Saturday (November 30)

Isolated heavy to very heavy rain with extremely heavy rain at one or two places:

  • Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villuppuram, Cuddalore, Kallakuruchi, and Puducherry.

Heavy to very heavy rain:

  • Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal.

Heavy rain:

  • Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai, and Karur.

Sunday (December 1)

Isolated heavy to very heavy rain with extremely heavy rain at one or two places:

  • Villuppuram, Kallakuruchi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry.

Heavy to very heavy rain:

  • Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Dharmapuri, Salem, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal.

Heavy rain:

  • Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Erode, Nilgiris, Namakkal, Tiruchirappalli, and Pudukkottai.

Monday (December 2)

Heavy to very heavy rain:

  • Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, and Erode.

Heavy rain:

  • Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Theni, and Madurai.

Tuesday (December 3)

Heavy rain:

  • Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Theni, Dindigul, and Erode.