hennai (Tamil Nadu): Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall later today, with its impact already being felt across Tamil Nadu. On Friday, multiple flights to and from Chennai were disrupted due to heavy rains and inclement weather caused by the approaching storm.
Airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, issued travel advisories warning passengers of flight delays and cancellations. Air India shared an update on social media, stating, “Flights to and from Chennai are getting affected due to inclement weather and heavy rains.”
IndiGo also provided an advisory, stating that weather conditions were affecting flights not only in Chennai but also in other cities like Tiruchirappalli, Tuticorin, Madurai, and beyond. The airline confirmed that flights to and from Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Tuticorin, Madurai, as well as Tirupati and Vishakhapatnam, were experiencing disruptions.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai reported that intense rain spells are expected to continue in northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, through Saturday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall, particularly in areas such as Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry. The districts of Ranipet, Vellore, Thanjavur, and Nagapattinam, among others, are also expected to experience heavy rain.
The IMD stated that Cyclone Fengal, which had been moving west-northwestwards over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is now expected to cross the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts later this evening. The cyclone is predicted to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry, with wind speeds of 70-80 km/h, gusting to 90 km/h.
Authorities are closely monitoring the cyclone using Doppler weather radars in Chennai and Sriharikota, alongside satellite observations. As the storm approaches, residents are urged to stay alert and follow safety guidelines.
Travelers planning to fly in or out of Chennai are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and to prepare for potential delays or cancellations due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions.