A deep pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm, officially named Cyclone Fengal. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system transformed into a cyclonic storm around 2:30 pm on Friday, November 29.
The storm is expected to affect Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Puducherry, and nearby regions, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall across many areas. Persistent rains have already lashed parts of Tamil Nadu over the past few days due to the formation of the deep pressure zone.
Fengal Likely to Approach Puducherry by Nov 30
The IMD forecasts that Cyclone Fengal will likely approach Puducherry by the afternoon of November 30. Wind speeds are anticipated to reach 90 km/h during its progression. The storm is currently situated approximately 240 km northeast of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka).
Alert Issued for Coastal Areas
Authorities have issued warnings for coastal regions in North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh. The IMD shared an update on the social media platform 'X' detailing the cyclone’s position and trajectory. It stated that the system would maintain its intensity through November 29, moving northwest with wind speeds ranging from 45-55 km/h, increasing to 65 km/h. The storm is expected to cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry on the morning of November 30.
Gusty Winds and Heavy Rainfall To Lash
Cyclone Fengal has been tracked since November 26, when it was first moving northwest at a speed of 12 km/h. Its velocity is projected to increase significantly, with winds potentially reaching 80-90 km/h. As a precaution, schools in Chennai and surrounding areas have been closed. The city experienced heavy rainfall on Friday morning, resulting in a noticeable drop in temperature and cooler weather conditions.
Red Alert for Heavy Rain
In response to the evolving situation, the IMD has issued a red alert, forecasting heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds across affected states. North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh are likely to experience very heavy rainfall on 30 November. Additionally, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are expected to receive intense downpours during this period.
With Cyclone Fengal approaching, residents in the coastal areas have been advised to stay indoors and heed warnings issued by local authorities to ensure safety.
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