Cyclone Fengal, which formed over the Bay of Bengal on Friday evening, has triggered heavy overnight rainfall in several parts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai. The downpour has led to waterlogging in multiple areas, with arterial roads like Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) inundated, disrupting daily life. A red alert has been issued for several districts of Tamil Nadu including Chennai and Puducherry.
The Tamil Nadu government has urged residents to stay indoors unless stepping out for essential services. Beaches, waterbodies, amusement parks, and other outdoor venues have been declared off-limits. In addition, jewellery shops have been ordered to remain closed on Saturday as a precautionary measure.
With rough seas posing a threat, police installed barricades to restrict access to prominent beaches, including Marina and Mamallapuram. The Chennai Metro Rail announced that its services were running smoothly without disruptions while cautioning the public about potential inundation in parking areas at certain stations. State-run transport corporations operated limited services in Chennai and its surrounding regions.
Public transportation services are likely to be partially suspended in coastal regions to ensure public safety during Cyclone Fengal’s landfall. The sea continues to remain rough in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Several parts witnesses heavy waterlogging in Chennai.
Continous Rain For Next 2-3 Days: Stalin
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin said that they have received rainfall warning for the next 2-3 days. The CM addressed the press after visiting disaster management control room in Chennai to review the preparedness measures.
He said, "The weather department has warned that there will be continuous rain for the next two-three days, the Tamil Nadu government is constantly monitoring and taking precautionary measures. It has been reported that the cyclone will cross the coast tonight...Relief work is going on and relief camps have been set up and people are being accommodated there. Other districts are also being monitored continuously. There has been no incident so far..."
Meanwhile, state-run Aavin ensured uninterrupted milk supply, and power supply remained largely stable across most areas, providing some relief to residents amid the cyclone’s impact.
Cyclone Fengal: IMD Weather Updates
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Fengal is set to cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry as a cyclonic storm during the evening of November 30. Wind speeds are expected to reach 70-80 kmph, with gusts up to 90 kmph.
The IMD has also forecast isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rain at one or two places in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore districts, as well as in Puducherry on Saturday.
Flight Services Affected
Taking to X, Chennai Airport said, "IndiGo Airlines has temporarily suspended all arrival and departure flight operations at Chennai Airport due to adverse weather conditions. Flight operations will resume once the weather improves, prioritising the safety of passengers and crew. We recommend passengers check with their respective airlines for real-time updates."
The SpiceJet has also requested passengers to keep a check on their flight status. SpiceJet said, "Due to bad weather (Cyclonic movement) in Chennai (MAA), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights might be affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via link spicejet.com/#status."
Puducherry On Alert
Puducherry administration also remains vigilant in the event of Cyclone Fengal.
“For the last four days, we have been deploying staff across Puducherry beaches. We have already advised fishermen not to venture into the sea. From last night, due to high waves, we have closed all the beaches and are advising the general public and tourists to stay away from the beaches," said Puducherry SSP Kalaivanan.
Puducherry has also issued toll free numbers 112, 1077 and also WhatsApp number 94889 81070 to help people facing crisis to contact for help.