IMD Weather Update: The weather department has predicted that Cyclone Fengal will weaken into a deep depression by the time it hits the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts on the morning of November 30.
IMD Heavy Rain and Cyclone Fengal Updates: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday that the deep depression formed in the southwest Bay of Bengal will turn into Cyclone Fengal in the next 12 hours. This cyclone will move in the northwest direction and reach the coast of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on the morning of November 30. There will be heavy rain with winds at a speed of 50-60 km per hour between Karikal and Mahabalipuram. The Meteorological Department has also said that during this time the wind speed can go up to 70 km per hour.
The latest update from IMD said that the deep depression was stationary for the last six hours and was located about 100 km north-east of Trincomalee. Now it will move in a north-northwest direction near the coast of Sri Lanka and turn into a cyclone in the next 12 hours. It is expected that this cyclone will reach the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast on the morning of November 30.
Visakhapatnam cyclone warning
The centre’s duty officer S Kumar told ANI, “The deep depression has moved northwestwards over southwest Bay of Bengal a few hours ago and will cross Sri Lankan coast and reach Tamil Nadu coast in the next two days.”
Impact of heavy rains in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
Due to the deep depression, Puducherry is receiving heavy rainfall. Due to this, schools and colleges have been ordered to remain closed today. Puducherry Education Minister Arumugam Namassivayam has given this information. Puducherry and Karikal received 7.5 cm and 9.5 cm rainfall respectively in 24 hours.
Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy directed officials to move people from low-lying areas to relief camps. A 24/7 control room has also been set up to monitor the situation. The IMD has forecast heavy rains in Puducherry and Karikal in the next two days.
Flights affected in Tamil Nadu
The IMD has forecast light to moderate rains, thunderstorms and lightning in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karikal on Thursday. Heavy to very heavy rains are expected in Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram and Cuddalore districts. Heavy rains may also occur in isolated areas of Chennai, Tiruvallur and other districts.
IndiGo Airlines issued an advisory regarding flight delays on Wednesday night. The company has said that flights to Chennai, Tuticorin, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli and Salem will be affected due to adverse weather. The airline has advised passengers to check their flight status on the website and be prepared for travel.
The IMD has predicted that Cyclone Fengal will weaken into a deep depression by the time it hits the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts on the morning of November 30. However, rainfall and emergency measures will be required in the affected areas for the next few days.