November 27, 2024: A deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is rapidly intensifying and is expected to become Cyclone Fengal within the next 12 hours, according to the latest updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system is currently tracking north-northwestward at 13 km/h, and its impact is expected to be felt across Tamil Nadu and parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh in the coming days.
At 5:30 AM on Wednesday, the system was located about 130 km east-southeast of Trincomalee in Sri Lanka, approximately 400 km southeast of Nagapattinam, 510 km southeast of Puducherry, and 590 km south-southeast of Chennai. As it continues to strengthen, Cyclone Fengal is forecast to make landfall on the Tamil Nadu coast by Friday, November 29, 2024.
The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough sea conditions, particularly to Tamil Nadu’s coastal districts. Areas such as Nagapattinam, Puducherry, Cuddalore, and Chennai are likely to experience the brunt of the storm, with gusts of wind reaching up to 70-90 km/h. Coastal Andhra Pradesh could also feel the peripheral effects of the cyclone.
As the system progresses, it will bring thunderstorms, lightning, and moderate to heavy rain to several Tamil Nadu districts, including Thiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram, and Puducherry. Waterlogging in some of these areas could disrupt daily life, affecting traffic and movement.
Additionally, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Kallakurichi, Thiruchirapalli, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Thoothukkudi, Thirunelveli, and Kanyakumari districts are expected to receive light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
In anticipation of the storm, authorities have issued a red alert for the affected coastal regions, urging residents to remain indoors and avoid non-essential travel. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea due to the rough conditions. Authorities have also ramped up efforts to clear storm drains and prepare emergency relief measures to mitigate the effects of potential flooding and wind damage.
Cyclone Fengal’s arrival has prompted authorities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to review evacuation plans, particularly in low-lying coastal areas. Schools and public offices in the affected districts may also remain closed on Friday, depending on the storm's progression.
The IMD will continue to monitor the cyclone and provide updates as the situation develops. Residents in the affected regions are advised to stay tuned to local weather forecasts and follow the instructions of local authorities.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Cyclone Fengal Strengthens as It Approaches Tamil Nadu, Landfall Expected on Nov 29
November 27, 2024: A deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is rapidly intensifying and is expected to become Cyclone Fengal within the next 12 hours, according to the latest updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system is currently tracking north-northwestward at 13 km/h, and its impact is expected to be felt across Tamil Nadu and parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh in the coming days.
At 5:30 AM on Wednesday, the system was located about 130 km east-southeast of Trincomalee in Sri Lanka, approximately 400 km southeast of Nagapattinam, 510 km southeast of Puducherry, and 590 km south-southeast of Chennai. As it continues to strengthen, Cyclone Fengal is forecast to make landfall on the Tamil Nadu coast by Friday, November 29, 2024.
The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough sea conditions, particularly to Tamil Nadu’s coastal districts. Areas such as Nagapattinam, Puducherry, Cuddalore, and Chennai are likely to experience the brunt of the storm, with gusts of wind reaching up to 70-90 km/h. Coastal Andhra Pradesh could also feel the peripheral effects of the cyclone.
As the system progresses, it will bring thunderstorms, lightning, and moderate to heavy rain to several Tamil Nadu districts, including Thiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram, and Puducherry. Waterlogging in some of these areas could disrupt daily life, affecting traffic and movement.
Additionally, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Kallakurichi, Thiruchirapalli, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Thoothukkudi, Thirunelveli, and Kanyakumari districts are expected to receive light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
In anticipation of the storm, authorities have issued a red alert for the affected coastal regions, urging residents to remain indoors and avoid non-essential travel. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea due to the rough conditions. Authorities have also ramped up efforts to clear storm drains and prepare emergency relief measures to mitigate the effects of potential flooding and wind damage.
Cyclone Fengal’s arrival has prompted authorities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to review evacuation plans, particularly in low-lying coastal areas. Schools and public offices in the affected districts may also remain closed on Friday, depending on the storm's progression.
The IMD will continue to monitor the cyclone and provide updates as the situation develops. Residents in the affected regions are advised to stay tuned to local weather forecasts and follow the instructions of local authorities.