Chennai: Due to the low-pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal, various districts in Tamil Nadu are receiving widespread rain. Since Monday night, moderate rain has been falling in some places in Chennai and its suburbs, and heavy rain in some places.
The low-pressure area that had formed in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, which is moving towards the Tamil Nadu coast. The India Meteorological Department has said that it is likely to turn into a cyclone on Wednesday.
Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts are likely to receive heavy rain on November 26, 27 and 28, according to the Chennai Meteorological Department.
Severe rainfall, triggered by Cyclone Fengal, has caused significant disruptions at Chennai International Airport, leading to delays and cancellations of multiple flights. Waterlogged runways and poor visibility affected operations, with numerous flights stranded mid-air or grounded.
Flight Disruptions at Chennai Airport
Several flights, including those operated by Indigo Airlines from Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, were forced to circle over the city due to unsafe landing conditions. After the rain eased slightly, airport authorities managed to drain the runways, allowing some flights to land. However, delays continued for outbound flights to cities like Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow.
In total, 15 flights- seven arrivals, and eight departures, were delayed as a result of the severe weather. Passengers were advised to check flight schedules regularly and plan for extra travel time due to the unpredictable conditions.
Balachandran, Southern Region Chief of the India Meteorological Department, said, "Tomorrow (Nov. 27) Very heavy rain will occur at one or two places in Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai districts; heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur in the northern coastal districts from Tiruvarur to Pudukkottai. The day after tomorrow (Nov. 28), heavy to very heavy rain is likely to fall at places in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Villupuram districts; heavy rain is also likely at places in Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi and Cuddalore districts."
Not only this, there is a possibility of heavy rain at one or two places in Tiruvallur, Chennai, Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu districts on the 29th, he said.
Fishermen are advised not to venture into these areas as cyclonic winds are likely to blow in the Comarine Sea, Gulf of Mannar, areas adjacent to the Tamil Nadu coast, Central West Bengal Sea and South West Bengal Sea until the 30th.
Closure of Schools and Colleges: Due to Heavy Rain, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai district administration has announced leave for schools and colleges on Wednesday.
After Red and Orange Alert for Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had a meeting with Ministers, Various Department officials and District Collectors including delta districts and discussed precautionary measures to rescue people from heavy rains.
Exams Postponed: 'Due to incessant rain, all examinations of Annamalai University and its affiliated colleges in Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Mayiladuthurai Districts scheduled for 27th November 2024 stand postponed. The revised date of examination will be intimated later, Anna University announced.
Maximum Rain In Nagapattinam: As per the Chennai Metrological Department update, from Today 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM today, Nagapattinam received maximum rain of 127 mm, Cuddalore 67, Adirampattinam in Tanjavur District 54, Karaikal 52, and Meenambakkam 45.8.
Weather and Safety Warning
- Heavy Rain Forecast: The IMD predicts heavy to very heavy rain in Chennai and northern coastal district through November 29
- Cyclonic Winds: Fishermen have been advised to avoid the Gulf of Mannar, Comorin Sea, and adjacent coastal areas until November 30.
Passenger Advisory
- Check Flight Status: Monitor updates from airlines and the airport
- Allow Extra Time: Plan for delays while travelling to the airport.
- Stay Alert: Keep track of weather and travel advisories.
7 NDRF Teams Deployed For Rainfall Response In Tamil Nadu, Puducherry
Seven NDRF teams, including two canine units, have been mobilised to affected districts such as Karaikal, Thanjavur, and Cuddalore. Widespread light to moderate rainfall, with occasion heavy downpours is expected in Chennai and nearby areas.
Cyclone Fengal: Name and Significance
Cyclone Fengal, which is currently intensifying in the Bay of Bengal, has been named by Saudi Arabia as part of the standard naming procedure for cyclones in the South Indian Ocean. The name "Fengal" was suggested by Saudi Arabia, following a system in which countries contribute names for tropical cyclones that form in the region.
What Does the Name "Fengal" Mean?
While the specific meaning of "Fengal" has not been detailed, the name follows the tradition of using simple and memorable names for storms. The naming process is intended to help improve communication and response efforts during cyclonic events.
Cyclones in the Indian Ocean are named in alphabetical order from lists provided by regional countries, and "Fengal" marks the latest in a series of named storms.
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