Cyclone Alert: Heavy Rain, Gusty Wind In Tamil Nadu & Puducherry; Schools Shut, Annamalai Univ Postpones Exams

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the system will make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, close to Puducherry, on the morning of November 30.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued six fishermen and four workers stranded at the Chemplast jetty in Cuddalore,

Source : ANI

Chennai and its neighbouring districts are bracing for severe weather conditions as a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal intensified triggering heavy rainfall, gusty winds and high tides on Friday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, as the system moves northwestward. It is expected to make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, close to Puducherry, on the morning of November 30.

In light of the adverse weather, authorities have announced school and college holidays in Cuddalore, Villupuram, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Chennai and Chengalpattu have declared holidays exclusively for schools. Additionally, Annamalai University in Chidambaram has postponed all scheduled exams following warnings of heavy rainfall.

#WATCH | Chennai witnesses high tide and gusty winds as a result of the formation of deep depressing in the Bay of Bengal

Continuing to move northwestwards, it is very likely to cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry… pic.twitter.com/uie7OpiTsA

— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2024

According to IMD, the system, with wind speeds of 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph, lay centered at 0530 hours IST on November 29, about 310 km east of Nagappattinam and 400 km southeast of Chennai. The IMD predicts extremely heavy rainfall in districts like Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai, along with Puducherry and Karaikal. Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and other adjoining areas will also witness scattered heavy to very heavy rain.

System Not Intensified Into Cyclone: RMC

The Regional Meteorological Centre (Chennai) reported that coastal Tamil Nadu is already experiencing gusty winds, which will persist until the deep depression makes landfall. However, the system has not yet intensified into a cyclone due to the absence of favourable conditions, said RMC Director S Balachandran.

Even though it was named Cyclone Fengal, as it is yet to intensify, the weather observers have stopped its usage. 

As the deep depression progresses, residents in the vulnerable areas have been advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Coastal communities, fishermen, and those in low-lying regions have been urged to stay safe and adhere to local authorities’ warnings.

Independent Weather Bloggers Predict Heavy Rainfall

Adding to the IMD and RMC, independent weather bloggers predicted heavy rainfall for parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry from Friday. Taking to X, weather blogger Pradeep John said, "Now with blooming clouds once the rains start as we go into noon...into evening and into night, the rains will pick up. There is chance of very heavy to extreme rains in KTCC to Marakannam coasts going from 29 to 30th. Particularly 30th needs close vigil on rains in KTCC."

Another blogger, Srikanth from COMK, predicted that the deep depression, currently located 325 km east of Nagapattinam, has a 50:50 chance of intensifying into a cyclonic storm. Landfall is expected near Pondicherry tomorrow evening or night.

ICG Rescues Fishermen In Cuddalore

Amid worsening weather conditions, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued six fishermen and four workers stranded at the Chemplast jetty in Cuddalore, situated about 2 km into the sea.

The ICG shared details of the operation on social media, stating, "In a remarkable #SearchAndRescue operation, @IndiaCoastGuard safely evacuated six stranded fishermen & four workers from the #Cuddalore Chemplast jetty amidst deteriorating weather conditions. Kudos to our brave crew for their unwavering commitment & swift action."

In a remarkable #SearchAndRescue operation, @IndiaCoastGuard safely evacuated six stranded fishermen & four workers from the #Cuddalore Chemplast jetty, about 2 km into the sea, amidst deteriorating weather conditions. Kudos to our brave crew for their unwavering commitment &… pic.twitter.com/idau7IdjoX

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) November 28, 2024