Cyclone ‘Senyar’ forms over strait of Malacca; IMD warns of heavy rain across South India
Tamil Nadu – India entered a high-alert weather phase on Wednesday as Cyclone ‘Senyar’ formed over the Strait of Malacca. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the development early morning and warned that the system would make landfall along the Indonesia coast later in the afternoon. The cyclone emerged after a deep depression intensified overnight. Its rapid growth pushed multiple states and island regions into a zone of caution.
Cyclone Formation and Movement
IMD officials tracked the system through the night. They recorded a westward movement at nearly 10 kmph. By 5:30 a.m., the deep depression strengthened into Cyclone ‘Senyar’. It now sits over the Strait of Malacca and parts of northeast Indonesia. The strait links the Andaman Sea with the South China Sea. Therefore, the system holds the potential to affect large maritime regions and coastal belts.
The IMD expects the cyclone to maintain its strength for the next 24 hours. It will cross the Indonesia coast by Wednesday afternoon. Then, according to forecasts, it will shift west-southwest. Later, it will curve back eastward within 48 hours. Gusty winds of 70 to 90 kmph may persist throughout the day. The department has issued strong marine warnings for nearby waters.
Rainfall Outlook for Andaman & Nicobar Islands
As the system intensifies, the islands face widespread rainfall. The IMD predicted light to moderate showers across most areas of Nicobar Islands. It also issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations on November 26 and 27. The rain intensity will fall from November 28 onward. Officials have urged fishermen to avoid the region due to rough seas and shifting wind patterns.
Second Weather System Over Bay of Bengal
In a separate development, a low-pressure zone in the southwest Bay of Bengal evolved into a well-marked system. It lies near south Sri Lanka and the Equatorial Indian Ocean. IMD scientists expect it to move north-northwest and intensify into a depression within 24 hours. This second system adds complexity to the regional weather pattern. It also expands the rain threat to several southern states.
Rain Alert for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala
Parts of Tamil Nadu already witnessed heavy rain on Monday. Coastal districts, including Tuticorin, saw waterlogging in multiple residential colonies. With the new system strengthening, the IMD expects more rain across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. It also warned of thunderstorms with lightning in Tamil Nadu from November 26 to 29. Kerala and Mahe may face similar conditions during November 26 and 27.
The department said the depression may later grow into another cyclonic storm. This possibility increases the rainfall risk for vulnerable regions. State disaster teams have begun preparations, especially in flood-prone coastal belts.
Impact on Schools and Daily Life
Rain disrupted normal life in several Tamil Nadu districts on Tuesday. Authorities shut schools and colleges to ensure safety. However, the state administration has not yet issued an update for Wednesday. Officials said they will decide after reviewing IMD’s next advisory.
As both systems evolve, India faces a challenging weather window. The IMD continues to monitor every shift. It urges the public to follow warnings and stay prepared for fast-changing conditions across the southern coast.
