According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has deepened and is expected to become a cyclonic storm called "Fengal" on Wednesday, November 27. As a result, the IMD has issued a heavy rainfall warning for portions of Tamil Nadu. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in districts including Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengelpet, and Cuddalore, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai. As a result, officials in places like Chennai, Chengelpet, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai have announced school breaks.
Cyclone Fengal, currently categorized as a severe cyclonic storm, is expected to cross the coast near Nagapattinam this evening. The IMD has forecast wind speeds ranging from 70 to 90 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 110 km/h. Coastal areas are likely to experience storm surges, with seawater inundating low-lying regions.
The Tamil Nadu government has activated its disaster management teams in response to the warning. Fishermen have been advised to refrain from venturing into the sea, and those already at sea have been asked to return immediately. District administrations in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, and Chennai are on high alert, with officials working to evacuate residents from vulnerable coastal villages.
Since Tuesday, the expected severe weather, affecting districts like Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Tiruvarur, would keep schools and colleges closed in other areas. According to the meteorological service, there will be light to moderate rainfall over the area until Thursday, November 28, with occasional heavy downpours.
According to the IMD, the rain intensity is expected to peak during the landfall period and continue over the next 24 hours. Neighboring states, including Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, have also been warned of possible heavy rainfall.
With Cyclone Fengal poised to hit, Tamil Nadu is bracing for challenging weather conditions. Citizens are advised to stay informed through official updates and exercise caution until the storm subsides.
