Chennai braces for cyclone Fengal: heavy rain, school closures across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
Cyclone ‘Fengal’ is strengthening into a cyclonic storm as it approaches Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, bringing heavy rains and strong winds over the next few days. The deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to move north-northwestward, skirting the Sri Lanka coast. By the morning of November 30, it will cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts, between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram.
The depression, currently about 300 km southeast of Nagapattinam, 400 km southeast of Puducherry, and 480 km southeast of Chennai, is likely to intensify overnight. However, it will weaken as it moves inland.
Wind speeds of 50-60 km/h, gusting to 70 km/h, are expected along the coast. Despite the marginal chance of intensification into a full-fledged cyclone, the system is anticipated to weaken before landfall, limiting cloud formation and reducing cyclone risks.
Local areas in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are preparing for strong winds reaching 50-60 km/h, gusting to 75 km/h. Squally conditions are likely over the Tamil Nadu coast, Comorin area, and Gulf of Mannar. The Indian Coast Guard has already rescued six fishermen from Cuddalore district after their boats sank in the rough sea.
Schools in at least 11 Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, and Cuddalore, will remain closed due to the heavy rainfall warning. The closure will affect government and private schools, as well as colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal, until November 30. Local authorities are also monitoring vulnerable areas, with the National Disaster Response Force conducting inspections and safety assessments.
