Cyclone Fengal Approaches Tamil Nadu Coast; Heavy Rainfall, High Tides Expected

• Cyclone Fengal Status: Located over the southwest Bay of Bengal, approximately 210 km southeast of Chennai.
• Impact Areas: Coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
• Landfall Prediction: Expected between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry on November 30 afternoon with wind speeds of 70–80 km/h, gusting to 90 km/h.
• Rainfall Forecast: Extremely heavy rainfall predicted in Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor (Andhra Pradesh) and coastal Tamil Nadu districts.

Current Situation

Cyclone Fengal is steadily moving northwestward and is expected to intensify slightly before making landfall. Coastal areas have already started experiencing high tides and rainfall.

Warnings and Alerts

• Red Alert Issued for North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining Andhra Pradesh districts.
• Rainfall Intensity:
  • Extremely heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh districts like Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor.
  • Scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu’s coastal districts.

Advisories and Precautions

1. Fishermen Advisory:
   • Issued by Puducherry Fisheries Department.
   • Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea and to secure their boats and equipment.
2. Residents Advisory:
   • Authorities have urged vigilance in low-lying and coastal areas due to potential flooding and strong winds.

Statements from Officials

• Dr. S. Balachandran, Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre:
  “Coastal districts near the crossing point (Karaikal-Mahabalipuram) will see the most impact with wind speeds reaching 70 km/h and extremely heavy rainfall around landfall.”
• Srinuvas, Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre:
  “Extremely heavy rainfall warnings issued for Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor for the next 24 hours. Cyclone is expected to cross with significant impact.”

Preparedness Measures

Authorities across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have been put on high alert to ensure public safety, while disaster management teams are on standby.

Residents are urged to follow updates from the IMD and local authorities for further instructions.