Chennai Rain Updates: IMD Issues Red Alerts for Cyclone Fengal, Heavy Rainfall Expected in Tamil Nadu
 

Chennai and Tamil Nadu are readying themselves for heavy rains as Cyclone Fengal unleashes torrential rain in the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Chennai, indicating the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in the coming days, especially on November 30. This comes as the deep depression over Bay of Bengal, initially expected to intensify into a cyclone, now is forecasted to weaken into a depression before making landfall along the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast.

Cyclone Fengal, located around 480 km southeast of Chennai, will likely cross near Karaikal and Mahabalipuram by the morning of November 30, bringing moderate winds of 50-60 km/h with gusts of up to 70 km/h. Despite the weakening system, heavy rain is still expected, with several districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry likely to experience flooding and waterlogging due to the widespread downpour.

IMD has issued an orange alert for Chennai and its surrounding districts, warning of heavy rainfall on November 29. By November 30, the red alert will be in effect as the depression moves towards the coast. Fishermen have been advised not to venture out to sea, and coastal areas are being closely monitored by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for any potential risks.

As of November 29, Chennai has already started receiving rain, and schools in the city have been declared closed to avoid any mishaps among the students. The IMD has also forecasted heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, which can cause a lot of discomfort in daily life, from power cuts to transportation trouble. Crop damage in other agricultural areas like Nagapattinam has also been assessed by the authorities, as more than 800 acres of paddy fields have been flooded.

Residents of Chennai need to be alert and stay updated on the latest advisories on weather as Cyclone Fengal continues to strike the region. Though its intensity has reduced, Cyclone Fengal is causing havoc in the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, with heavy rain expected throughout the weekend.

Also read: Schools in Chennai and Puducherry close today due to Cyclone Fengal: Students' holiday announcement