At the time of its intensification, the storm was located approximately 310 km north-northeast of Trincomalee, 260 km east of Nagapattinam, 270 km southeast of Puducherry, and 300 km southeast of Chennai.
The storm is expected to continue moving west-northwest and cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram, near Puducherry, on Saturday, November 30. As it approaches landfall, Cyclone Fengal will bring winds of 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph.
Rain bands entering North Coastal Tamil Nadu Districts. Rain is about to start shortly. pic.twitter.com/okpJZ9FVwN
— Tamilnadu Weather-IMD (@ChennaiRmc) November 29, 2024
Heavy rainfall forecast for affected regions
The weather system is predicted to bring extremely heavy rainfall to isolated areas of Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam on Friday, along with significant rainfall in Puducherry and Karaikal.
On the day of landfall, severe rainfall is expected in seven coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, and neighbouring areas. Delta and northern interior districts are also likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall on Saturday.
Advisories and precautions issued
In light of the impending cyclone, the Chief Electrical Inspectorate has issued a series of advisories. Residents have been urged to avoid tying livestock to electric poles or stray wires and to refrain from using electric poles for hanging pandals or advertisement boards.
Additionally, people are advised not to approach electrical transformers, pillar boxes, poles, or wires. In case of any snapped power lines, residents are advised to alert Tangedco officials immediately.
Cuddalore schools and colleges closed
Due to the heavy rain forecast, schools and colleges in Cuddalore district will remain closed on Saturday, November 30. The local government has declared a rain holiday in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
Chennai metro advisory
Chennai Metro Rail passengers are being cautioned not to park vehicles at St. Thomas Mount and Arumbakkam metro stations, as these areas are prone to inundation due to the cyclone.
Rainfall records and predictions
As of 8:30 a.m. on Friday, November 29, rainfall gauges in Kathivakkam, the Chennai Collectorate office, and the DGP office each recorded 6 cm of rainfall, the heaviest in the state so far. The RMC has predicted moderate rainfall for Chennai, along with surrounding districts such as Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Myladuthurai, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, and Tirupathur until 1 p.m.
Red alert issued for coastal districts
The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a red weather alert for coastal districts on both Friday and Saturday. Extremely heavy rainfall is anticipated in isolated areas of Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and the Puducherry-Karaikal regions, as Cyclone Fengal continues to intensify and approach landfall.
With the storm nearing its landfall, authorities are urging residents in affected areas to take necessary precautions and stay informed through official channels.
