Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Cyclone Fengal is set to make landfall along the Tamil Nadu coast today, bringing significant changes in weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rising tides. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of southern Andhra Pradesh.
According to the IMD, the cyclonic storm is currently moving northwestward at 7 km/h and was centered at 11.8°N and 81.7°E as of late Friday night. It is positioned approximately 210 km southeast of Chennai and 230 km east-northeast of Nagapattinam. Cyclone Fengal is expected to cross the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast near Karaikal and Mahabalipuram this afternoon, with wind speeds reaching 70-80 km/h and gusting up to 90 km/h.
Dr. S. Balachandran, Director of the Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre, highlighted that the storm would predominantly impact coastal districts, with heavy rainfall peaking between 1 PM and 2 PM. Neighboring Andhra Pradesh districts, including Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor, are also on alert for extremely heavy rainfall.
As a precaution, the Puducherry Fisheries Department has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea and to secure their boats and equipment on higher ground. Residents in low-lying areas have been urged to stay alert and adhere to safety instructions as authorities prepare for potential flooding and storm damage.
