Cyclone Fengal Intensifies: Heavy Rains Lash Tamil Nadu, Schools Closed, Coastal Alert Issued
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe weather warning as Cyclone Fengal barrels towards the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu. The powerful cyclone, currently packing winds of significant strength, is causing widespread disruption, with heavy rainfall and rising sea levels already impacting coastal communities. The IMD’s urgent alerts encompass North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh, urging residents to take necessary precautions.
Cyclone’s Trajectory and Intensity:
As of 11:30 PM IST on November 29th, Cyclone Fengal, located over the southwest Bay of Bengal, was centered near latitude 11.8°N and longitude 81.7°E. Over the past six hours, it moved north-northwestward at a speed of 7 km/h. The cyclone’s proximity to major population centers is alarming: it was approximately 360 km north of Trincomalee, 230 km east-northeast of Nagapattinam, 210 km east of Puducherry, and 210 km southeast of Chennai. The IMD predicts Fengal will continue its west-northwestward trajectory, making landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, near Puducherry, on November 30th.
At the time of landfall, the cyclone is anticipated to be a cyclonic storm with wind speeds ranging from 70-80 km/h, potentially gusting up to 90 km/h. This potent storm poses a significant threat to coastal infrastructure and life, necessitating immediate preparedness measures.
Chennai and Surrounding Areas:
Chennai and its surrounding districts are experiencing the brunt of the cyclone’s fury, with severe rainfall causing widespread disruption to daily life. The relentless downpour forced the closure of schools and colleges on Thursday, November 29th. With the heavy rains expected to continue, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are likely to announce further school closures for Friday, November 30th, depending on the evolving weather conditions. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and heed all safety advisories.
Safety Precautions:
Given the intensity of Cyclone Fengal and the potential for widespread damage, residents in affected areas are urged to take the following precautions:
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Stay informed:
Monitor weather reports closely and heed all instructions from local authorities.*
Secure your property:
Reinforce structures, clear loose objects, and bring in any outdoor furniture or items that could be blown away.*
Evacuate if necessary:
If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately and follow instructions from emergency services.*
Stay indoors:
Avoid venturing out during the height of the storm.*
Stock up on supplies:
Ensure you have adequate food, water, and essential medications on hand.The situation is rapidly evolving, and updates will be provided as they become available. Stay safe and prioritize your well-being during this critical time.
