Cyclone Fengal, currently located over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall near Chennai tomorrow evening. The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for the coastal areas of North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the adjoining south Andhra Pradesh. With heavy rains and gusty winds predicted, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in four districts. The Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre has also issued an extremely heavy rainfall warning for three districts in Andhra Pradesh. Residents have been advised to take precautions and authorities are preparing for the impact of the cyclone.
Cyclone Fengal Approaches Chennai, Tamil Nadu on High Alert
Cyclone Fengal, a severe cyclonic storm, is currently hovering over the southwest Bay of Bengal and is expected to make landfall near Chennai on Thursday evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for the coastal areas of North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining South Andhra Pradesh.
Current Situation
As of Wednesday evening, Cyclone Fengal is located approximately 350 kilometers southeast of Chennai. It is moving northwestward at a speed of 12 kilometers per hour and is intensifying gradually. The IMD has predicted that the storm will intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm by Thursday morning.
Expected Impact
The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall, ranging from 20 to 30 centimeters, along the coastal areas of North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh. Gusty winds with speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour are also expected. The heavy rains could lead to flooding and waterlogging, while the strong winds can cause damage to infrastructure, trees, and power lines.
Preparations and Warnings
The Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in four districts: Chennai, Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur, and Chengalpattu. The state government has also advised residents to stay indoors and take necessary precautions. The Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre has issued an extremely heavy rainfall warning for the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
Past Occurrences
Cyclone Fengal is the first major storm to hit the Bay of Bengal this year. However, this region has been battered by several devastating cyclones in the past:
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Chennai airport was hit by strong winds and heavy rainfall as Cyclone Fengal made landfall on Saturday. A video of a flight struggling to land at the airport has gone viral on social media, causing concern among passengers. The Indian Army has stepped in to assist with rescue operations in Puducherry, where extreme weather conditions have led to flash floods and heavy rainfall. Flight operations have now resumed at Chennai airport, but disruptions and cancellations are expected to continue as the cyclone moves west-southwestward.