Cyclone Fengal: Cyclonic storm makes landfall near Puducherry; red alert in 10 Tamil Nadu districts

Cyclone Fengal has begun making landfall near Puducherry, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for ten districts in Tamil Nadu. The storm, which has progressed towards the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast, is causing significant concern due to heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Key Developments:

Current Location and Movement: As of 5:30 PM IST, Cyclone Fengal was centered over the southwest Bay of Bengal, about 40 km from the coast, moving west-southwest at 7 km/h. The cyclone was located 50 km south-southeast of Mahabalipuram, 60 km east-northeast of Puducherry, and 90 km south of Chennai.

Landfall: The IMD reports that the forward sector of the cyclone’s spiral bands has entered the land near Puducherry. The complete landfall process is expected to take approximately four hours, with the storm crossing the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram.

Weather Conditions: Winds of 70-80 km/h, gusting up to 90 km/h, are anticipated over the region for the next 3 to 4 hours. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in several parts of Tamil Nadu, southern Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and interior Karnataka.

Chennai Airport Closure: Due to the adverse weather, Chennai Airport has extended its closure until 4:00 AM on December 1. A team of senior officials is monitoring the situation to resume operations as soon as conditions improve.

Districts on Red Alert: The IMD has issued a red alert for intense rain in the following districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry:

Chengalpattu

Kanchipuram

Vellore

Ranipet

Tirupathur

Dharmapuri

Tiruvannamalai

Kallakurichi

Villupuram

Cuddalore

Safety Measures: Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay indoors and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea, and those already at sea have been urged to return to the shore.