Cyclone Fengal, which started as a depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, has intensified into a deep depression and is expected to develop into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday, reported the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts light to moderate rainfall across the region, with heavy downpours expected to continue until Thursday, November 28.
In light of the ongoing heavy rainfall, the district administration in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, announced that schools and colleges will remain closed on Wednesday. District Collector Pradeep Kumar confirmed the closure due to persistent rainfall. Similar measures were already in place on Tuesday for several regions, including Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Tiruvarur, where authorities declared holidays for educational institutions ahead of the anticipated heavy rains.
The RMC in Chennai further confirmed that the depression has evolved into a deep depression and is likely to strengthen into a cyclonic storm on Wednesday. S. Balachandran, Director of the RMC, mentioned that the storm is expected to move northwards toward the Tamil Nadu coast, heading in the direction of Sri Lanka over the next few days.
IndiGo Airlines has also issued a travel advisory, warning passengers about disruptions to flights traveling to and from Chennai, Tuticorin, and Madurai due to the adverse weather conditions. The airline further noted that Tiruchirappalli and Salem could also experience flight disturbances in the coming days. They expressed their gratitude to passengers for their patience during this challenging time.
The IMD provided an update on the movement of the deep depression, which has been progressing northward at a speed of 10 km/h over the last six hours, south-southeast of Chennai. The depression is expected to continue moving in a north-northwest direction and intensify into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday. Over the next two days, it will likely move towards the Tamil Nadu coast, brushing along the Sri Lankan coast.
As for the impact of the cyclone, the IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts of Tamil Nadu, including Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal. Isolated places in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villuppuram, Ariyalur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Pudukkottai are also likely to experience significant rainfall. Additionally, heavy rains are expected in Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram districts, as well as parts of Kerala, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Rayalaseema.
Weather Alert: School Closures in Tamil Nadu as Monsoon Rains Intensify