Tamil Nadu Prepares for Cyclone Fengal: Schools Closed, Heavy Rainfall Alert Issued

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall warning for Tamil Nadu. The depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is expected to strengthen into Cyclone Fengal by Wednesday, November 27.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast heavy to hefty rainfall for districts such as Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengelpet, and Cuddalore. As a precautionary measure, schools and colleges in these areas, including Chennai, Chengelpet, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai, have been closed, according to reports from PTI.

The weather department has also predicted widespread light to moderate rainfall, with occasional heavy showers expected to continue until Thursday, November 28. On Wednesday, a red alert was issued for Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai for hefty rain, while a yellow warning was placed for Chennai from Wednesday to Friday. Neighbouring districts like Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu are on yellow and orange alerts from Wednesday through Saturday.

Weather Forecast for the Next Two Days:

• November 27: Expect light to moderate rain across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, along with thunderstorms and lightning in some areas. Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal will likely receive heavy rainfall, with hefty rain in isolated spots. Scattered heavy rain is forecast for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villuppuram, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai, and Puducherry.
• November 28: Light to moderate rain is expected across several parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with thunderstorms and lightning. Coastal Tamil Nadu will experience widespread rainfall, while the interior will see scattered showers. Heavy to hefty rain is likely in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Villuppuram, with heavy rain in parts of Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry.

In addition, the IMD has issued warnings for heavy to hefty rainfall in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema from November 28 to 30.

State’s Preparations for Cyclone Fengal:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held a meeting on Tuesday to assess rain preparedness. He directed the deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state teams to vulnerable areas, with 17 teams already stationed in districts like Chennai, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, and Thanjavur.

Chennai and nearby districts, including Chengelpet, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, and northern coastal regions like Cuddalore, have already experienced mild to moderate rainfall, with heavier rain in certain areas.

The state has prepared 1,634 relief centres, although they have yet to be activated. Essential equipment such as generators, motor pumps, boats, and other emergency supplies are on standby, and first responders and volunteers are ready to assist in further emergencies. To ensure public convenience, state-run Aavin has confirmed an uninterrupted milk supply.

Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin also inspected Chennai’s flood preparedness, advising officials to continue preventive measures, including canal desilting, to mitigate flooding risks.