Cyclone Fengal, currently forming in the Bay of Bengal, has intensified and is expected to cross the coast of North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry later this evening. With wind speeds of up to 70 to 80 km/h, gusting to 90 km/h, the storm poses significant risks, including heavy rainfall and strong winds. As per the latest information from the Chennai Meteorological Department, several districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are on high alert. Here's an in-depth look at the storm’s development, expected impacts, and important safety tips.
Cyclone
Fengal: Current Location and Movement
As of November 30, Cyclone Fengal
has intensified into a cyclonic storm. At 8:30 AM, it was located
approximately 120 km east-northeast of Puducherry and 110 km southeast
of Chennai, moving in a northwesterly direction. By the evening, it is
predicted to make landfall near the North Tamil Nadu coast, between Karaikal
and Mamallapuram, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall. Cyclone Fengal
is expected to continue its westward movement, crossing the North Tamil
Nadu-Puduvai coast near Puduvai later today, as a full-fledged
storm.
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| Cyclone Fenjal brings heavy rain and strong winds to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with possible landslides and coastal warnings |
Expected
Wind Speeds and Gusts
The cyclonic storm is anticipated to
bring strong winds to affected regions:
- Wind speeds of 70 to 80 km/h, with gusts reaching 90 km/h at times, will be
felt near the landfall area, including Puducherry, Karaikal, and
Chennai.
- Areas further inland like Vellore, Ranipet,
and Tiruvannamalai will also experience strong winds,
although slightly weaker.
Coastal Areas: Strong cyclonic winds gusting to 70 to 90 km/h are
expected to affect the north Tamil Nadu coast, including Cuddalore,
Villupuram, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram. These winds can
cause damage to structures and uproot trees.
Rainfall
Forecast
The impact of Cyclone Fengal
will be felt as heavy rainfall over several districts in Tamil Nadu and
Puducherry:
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in:
- Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram,
Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore,
and Puducherry.
- Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur,
Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam districts.
- Heavy rainfall at isolated places is forecast for:
- Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal,
Trichy, Pudukkottai, and Karur.
The heaviest rainfall will
occur in Chennai, Puducherry, and coastal areas of Kanchipuram
and Cuddalore today. Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore
will likely face the highest rainfall on December 1. Further, the Nilgiris,
Coimbatore, Tirupur, Dindigul, and Erode will see heavy
to very heavy rainfall on December 2, with heavy rain in isolated
locations on December 3 and 4.
Landslide
Warning
The strong winds and heavy
rainfall are also triggering concerns of landslides in vulnerable
hilly areas. Regions such as the Nilgiris and Coimbatore should
be prepared for potential landslides, especially in steep areas where the
ground may become saturated quickly due to the ongoing rains.
- Warning Areas for Landslides:
- Nilgiris,
Coimbatore, Dindigul, and parts of Tirupur are at
risk of landslides due to heavy rainfall and saturated slopes.
Fishermen’s
Warning
The coastal regions of North
Tamil Nadu, including Puducherry, Karaikal, and the adjoining
South Andhra Pradesh coast, will face high-speed winds. Fishermen
are strongly advised to avoid going out to sea for the next few days:
- November 30:
Cyclonic winds of 60 to 80 km/h, gusting to 90 km/h, will
affect the coastal areas.
- December 1:
Winds will decrease slightly, reaching 55 to 65 km/h, with gusts up
to 75 km/h.
- December 2:
Cyclonic storms will persist at 35 to 45 km/h, with gusts of 55
km/h in the Gulf of Mannar and Kumarikadal areas.
Weather
in Chennai and Suburbs
In Chennai, the weather
will remain cloudy for the next 48 hours, with chances of heavy to very
heavy rainfall in several parts of the city, especially along the coast.
The maximum temperature will be around 25°C, while the minimum
temperature will hover around 21°C due to the rains.
Extended
Forecast: December 1 to 6
- December 1:
Light to moderate rainfall in most parts of Tamil Nadu. Heavy rain
expected in Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore. Other
districts like Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Puducherry
will experience heavy rainfall at isolated locations.
- December 2:
Continued rainfall across Tamil Nadu, with heavy to very heavy rain
in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Dindigul,
and Erode.
- December 3:
The storm will slowly weaken, but light to moderate rain will still affect
areas, with heavy rain in parts of Nilgiris, Coimbatore,
Tirupur, and Dindigul.
- December 4 to 6:
The storm’s effects will gradually reduce, with light to moderate rainfall
expected across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Safety
Tips and Precautions
- Stay Indoors:
Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm, especially in areas forecasted
to experience high winds and heavy rain.
- Secure Property:
Reinforce windows and doors, clear loose objects, and ensure that your
home is protected from possible flooding.
- Emergency Kit:
Ensure that you have a stocked emergency kit with essentials like food,
water, flashlights, first-aid supplies, and important documents.
- Follow Official Alerts: Stay updated with information from local authorities
and meteorological departments. Heed evacuation orders if issued.
Conclusion
Cyclone Fengal is expected to bring
significant weather disruptions to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over the next few
days. Residents in affected areas should take necessary precautions to protect
themselves and their property. By staying informed and prepared, communities
can mitigate the risks posed by this powerful storm. Always remember to
prioritize safety and follow the guidance of local authorities.