As the Bay of Bengal churns with increasing intensity, Cyclone Fengal has officially developed into a storm, and authorities are bracing for its impact. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the storm’s formation at 2:30 pm on November 29, 2024, and issued immediate warnings for affected coastal regions. The cyclone, which started as a deep depression, is now expected to make landfall near the Puducherry coast tomorrow, November 30, 2024, around noon.
Cyclone Fengal’s Path and Impact
The latest forecast from IMD reveals that Cyclone Fengal is tracking west-northwest at a steady pace, moving towards the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The storm, with wind speeds expected to peak at 70-80 km/h, will bring gusts up to 90 km/h as it nears the coast. According to Ananda Das, the head of IMD, “The cyclone has intensified, and we are expecting heavy rainfall in North Tamil Nadu, South Andhra Pradesh, and several parts of Puducherry. The impact will be felt most strongly as the storm makes landfall tomorrow evening.”
Schools Closed, Safety Measures in Place
In response to the threat posed by Cyclone Fengal, Kanchipuram District Collector Kalaiselvi Mohan announced a holiday for all schools and colleges on November 30, 2024. This includes both government and private educational institutions in the district. The decision aims to ensure the safety of students and staff during what is anticipated to be a day of severe weather conditions, with heavy rain and strong winds expected to affect the region.
This precautionary step follows the government’s proactive measures to minimize the cyclone’s impact on daily life, especially in areas most vulnerable to flooding and wind damage. Local authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travel, especially in coastal and low-lying areas.
High Waves and Caution for Fishermen
The Fisheries Department of Puducherry has also been quick to issue safety advisories, asking all fishermen to relocate their vessels and gear to higher ground. With high waves expected along the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coastlines, fishermen are warned of hazardous sea conditions and advised against venturing out into the waters during the storm.
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has predicted waves as high as 3.1 to 4.6 meters along the coast until the storm passes. This has led to the suspension of fishing operations and the cancellation of boat rides in the affected regions until at least December 1, 2024.
Heavy Rainfall Expected in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
As Cyclone Fengal makes its approach, the forecast for heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry remains a major concern. The IMD has issued a red alert in the coastal districts of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh, with warnings of rainfall exceeding 20 cm in some areas. The rainfall will likely continue into the weekend as the cyclone moves inland, with interior Tamil Nadu also expected to see significant precipitation.
A separate orange alert has been issued for several other districts, including Vellore, Perambalur, and Thanjavur. Authorities have urged residents in these areas to prepare for potential flooding and disruptions to transportation and services.
Cyclone’s Current Location and Trajectory
As of the latest report from IMD, Cyclone Fengal is located approximately 300-350 km from the Tamil Nadu coastline, and its movement is being closely monitored. The storm is traveling at a speed of about 15 km/h and is expected to intensify further before making landfall. As it progresses, the wind speeds will continue to increase, with gusts expected to reach up to 90 km/h near the coast.
Precautionary Measures for Residents
In addition to the school closures and safety alerts for fishermen, authorities are urging residents in the affected areas to take the following precautionary steps:
- Secure loose items: High winds are expected, and unsecured objects could pose a danger.
- Avoid coastal travel: With the forecast of high waves, travel along the coast should be avoided until the storm subsides.
- Stay indoors during heavy rainfall: Roads may become impassable due to flooding, and it’s safest to stay home during the heaviest rainfall periods.
Authorities have also recommended that people living in low-lying or flood-prone areas move to higher ground if evacuation orders are issued. The government has set up emergency response teams in districts most likely to be affected by the storm, ensuring that quick relief measures can be implemented.
A Look at the Meteorological Data
For residents and those following the storm’s progress, here are the most critical details regarding Cyclone Fengal:
| Cyclone Name | Fengal |
|---|---|
| Location | 300-350 km east-northeast of Tamil Nadu |
| Current Wind Speed | 70-80 km/h (gusts up to 90 km/h) |
| Expected Landfall | November 30, 2024, near Puducherry |
| Forecasted Impact | Heavy rainfall, wind speeds, coastal inundation |
| Safety Alerts | Red alert for heavy rainfall (20+ cm) |
| Fishermen Advisory | Relocate vessels, avoid sea activity |
Conclusion: Cyclone Fengal’s Expected Impact
Cyclone Fengal is shaping up to be a significant weather event, with authorities taking extensive steps to protect lives and property. The storm’s landfall near Puducherry will mark the beginning of intense rainfall and high winds, with residents of coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry urged to stay vigilant. School closures, safety advisories for fishermen, and precautionary measures for the general public indicate that the authorities are prepared for the storm’s impact.
Residents should stay updated with weather alerts and follow instructions from local authorities to ensure their safety. As Cyclone Fengal makes its way inland, the weather conditions will continue to worsen, and it’s crucial to remain prepared for the worst.