Cyclone Fengal is rapidly approaching the Tamil Nadu coast, with landfall expected this evening, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several southern states in anticipation of heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The IMD reports that Cyclone Fengal, which is currently located over the southwest Bay of Bengal, has been moving north-northwestward at 7 km/h over the past six hours. As of 11:30 PM IST on November 29, the cyclone was centered near latitude 11.8°N and longitude 81.7°E, approximately 360 km north of Trincomalee, 230 km east-northeast of Nagapattinam, 210 km east of Puducherry, and 210 km southeast of Chennai.
The storm is expected to continue its west-northwestward movement, and is forecast to cross the coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry by the afternoon of November 30. Wind speeds are predicted to range between 70-80 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 90 km/h.
Ananda Das, Head of the Cyclonic Division at the IMD, highlighted that a red alert has been issued due to the likelihood of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Tamil Nadu, South Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and interior Karnataka. Coastal districts, particularly those near the crossing point of Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, are expected to experience the worst of the weather, with high tides and rainfall already beginning to impact these areas.
The IMD has warned that on November 30, parts of Tamil Nadu’s interior regions will also experience significant rainfall as the storm progresses.
In light of the approaching storm, the Puducherry Fisheries Department has issued a warning for fishermen, advising them to stay away from the sea. Fishermen have been instructed to move their boats and equipment to safer, higher ground to avoid damage.
With Cyclone Fengal now closing in, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions as the storm prepares to make landfall.
