Cyclone Fengal Highlights: Puducherry declares holiday for schools, colleges amid heavy rain

IMD predicted "extremely heavy" rainfall in the union territory of Puducherry for today and "moderate" for December 2.

Cyclone Fengal that made landfall in the coasts of Puducherry and Tamil Nadu remains stationary for the last six hours close to the union territory nearly 30 kilometres north of Cuddalore and 40 kms east of Villupuram.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed that as of 5.30am, the cyclone has not moved in the past six hours and remains stationary 120 kilometres south-southwest of Chennai.

Cyclone Fengal which crossed north Tamil Nadu coasts and made landfall in Puducherry on November 30 late night, the beaches in Chennai witnessed high tides and rough sea conditions.

The weather forecast issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) predicted "isolated heavy to very heavy" rainfall in Chennai for Sunday.

Cyclone Fengal brought 9–13 cm of rain to Chennai, causing four electrocution deaths and flooding in parts of the city.

IMD predicted heavy to very heavy rain for Chennai and nearby districts, with a red alert for Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore. While tree falls and minor disruptions occurred, major damage was avoided.

Public transport was minimal, and most residents stayed indoors due to weekend closures. The cyclone shifted its path south of Chennai, with landfall expected near Puducherry.

Fire and rescue officials received 21 distress calls, including 11 tree-fall incidents, from Saturday morning at 12 a.m. to 12 noon. Fire personnel monitored the 197 low-lying areas that were inundated due to the heavy downpour.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed arrangements and precautionary measures on Saturday in the wake of Cyclone Fengal.

The Chief Minister also inspected the Chennai State Operation Center and was accompanied by state ministers KN Nehru and KKSSR Ramachandran.

Chennai Airport operations to be closed from 12 to 19 hours due to crosswinds.

As Cyclone Fengal is expected to make landfall this evening in Tamil Nadu, EMU train services in the suburban sections of the Chennai division will operate at reduced frequency intervals, according to a press release from the Southern Railway Chennai Division PRO.

The release also stated that all necessary precautionary measures have been implemented to ensure passenger safety during the cyclone.

Pondy govt issues heavy rain alert to residents via SMS

Heavy rains batter Andhra Pradesh's Nellore ahead of Cyclone Fengal landfall.

Cyclonic storm 'Fengal' over Bay of Bengal is likely to make a landfall on today afternoon, close to Puducherry, with wind speed upto 90 kmph, the India Meteorological Department said.

The Cyclonic Storm “FENGAL” over Southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 12kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 5.30am today.

Heavy rain lashes parts of Chennai, Tamil Nadu ahead of Cyclone Fengal landfall.

Boats docked as fishermen have been advised by IMD not to venture into the sea due to high waves and turbulent conditions in the wake of cyclone Fengal

The Department of Revenue and Disaster Management has set up toll-free numbers 112 and 1077 to receive distress calls from the public. People can also seek help through the WhatsApp number 9488981070.

Cyclone Fengal, forecasted to make landfall near Puducherry with winds exceeding 70 km/h and heavy rainfall over 20 cm, has prompted a red alert in Tamil Nadu's coastal districts.

Emergency teams, including 18,000 personnel, are deployed to minimize damages. Coastal areas are bracing for impacts like localized flooding, tree uprooting, and disruptions to power, communication, and transport.

Beaches, parks, and recreational spaces are closed, and public transport on ECR and OMR will halt from November 30 afternoon. Authorities advise residents to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and take precautions as intense rainfall and wind lash affected regions.

The Puducherry Fisheries Department has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea and to secure their equipment. Residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas have been asked to stay alert and follow safety measures as the cyclone approaches.

Emergency teams and local authorities are on standby to manage potential flooding, property damage, and disruptions caused by the storm.

Heavy rainfall ahead of Cyclone Fengal landfall has submerged 2,000 acres of agricultural land in Karaikal, Puducherry, causing significant damage to crops.

Depression to cross Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast on Saturday morning

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 around morning of 30th November as a depression with a wind speed of 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph says IMD.

The deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, located about 100 km east-northeast of Trincomalee, is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours, as per the Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai.

It will move north-northwestwards, skirting the Sri Lanka coast, and is forecasted to cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts near Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on the morning of November 30, with wind speeds of 50-60 km/h gusting to 70 km/h.

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are bracing for heavy rain as Cyclone Fengal approaches. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is conducting risk assessments and safety checks in vulnerable areas like T R Patinam and Karaikal.

The deep depression in the Bay of Bengal, located 480km south-southeast of Chennai, is expected to weaken and make landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on Saturday.

IMD has issued an orange alert for Chennai on Friday and a red alert for heavy rain on Saturday.

Twenty-four north coastal districts may experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu ministers assessed crop damage in Thanjavur district, where recent rains have flooded paddy fields.