Cyclone Fengal Expected to Make Landfall Today, Flights Disrupted in Chennai: Key Points

Cyclone Fengal is forecasted to cause significant rainfall in the northern and delta regions of Tamil Nadu as well as Puducherry, making landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram likely this afternoon. Here are the main highlights of the situation:

1. Cyclone Fengal, pronounced Feinjal, is set to hit the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry border between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, with wind speeds ranging from 70 to 80 km/h and gusts reaching 90 km/h, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
2. The cyclone has affected flight operations in and out of Chennai, with IndiGo suspending all services at Chennai airport and Air India flights experiencing disruptions due to the severe weather.
3. The IMD predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chennai and the districts of Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore, along with Puducherry. Many coastal regions are already feeling the effects with shifting weather and elevated tides.
4. Isolated locations in the districts of Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and the Karaikal area can expect heavy to extremely heavy rain.
5. A red alert has been issued for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Viluppuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore districts, as well as Puducherry.
6. An orange alert is in effect for the districts of Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal.
7. Schools and colleges in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Mayiladuthurai districts of Tamil Nadu, along with Puducherry, will be closed today.
8. Essential equipment, including boats, generators, and tree-cutting tools, has been prepared in these districts, with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state disaster teams deployed in the area.
9. Authorities have warned of turbulent seas and strong winds, advising fishermen to stay out of the water and relocate their boats and equipment to safer locations.
10. Dr. S Balachandran, director of the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai, indicated that the storm could damage telecommunications and lead to flooding in low-lying areas, especially along the coast.