Cyclone Fengal Expected to Diminish into a Deep Depression
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Chennai, Dec 1 (NationPress) The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has reported that Cyclone Fengal, which crossed over the Puducherry coast at midnight, is likely to proceed west-southwest towards Tamil Nadu and lose strength, transforming into a deep depression.
On Sunday, S. Balachandran, the RMC Director, stated: “At present, Cyclone Fengal is moving west-southwest at a speed of 7 km/h and is projected to weaken into a deep depression. The cyclone has remained stationary for three hours in the vicinity of Puducherry, leading to persistent heavy rainfall.”
Over the last 24 hours, significant rainfall has been documented at six locations, with three areas experiencing extremely heavy downpours.
Cyclone Fengal is set to progress slowly westward and gradually lose strength over the northern coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
The earlier weather alerts are still valid, and the situation is being meticulously observed using Doppler Weather Radars stationed at Chennai and Karaikal.
The Mailam all-weather station in Villupuram recorded an astounding 498 mm of rain between 8:30 a.m. on November 30 and 5:30 a.m. on December 1.
Puducherry itself witnessed 469.5 mm of rainfall during the same timeframe.
The cyclone, which made landfall on Saturday, November 30, unleashed a staggering 50 cm of rain in Villupuram over just 21 hours, as per weather department statistics.
Other districts have also faced considerable rainfall. Cuddalore received 179 mm, Tiruvannamalai 176.5 mm, Tiruvallur 136.5 mm, and Kancheepuram 120.5 mm.
The RMC has placed a red alert for Sunday, forecasting heavy rainfall in Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Puducherry.
Additional districts, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Dharmapuri, Salem, and regions in Karaikal, are also predicted to experience heavy showers.
The incessant rainfall has led to flooding in low-lying areas of Chennai, disrupting flight operations and impacting EMU train services. Central Chennai locations such as Korattur, Koyambedu, Virugambakkam, Nungambakkam, T. Nagar, and Alwarpet have faced severe inundation.
Power supply was interrupted in numerous neighborhoods on Saturday evening.
Flight operations at Chennai International Airport resumed on Sunday morning after the passage of Cyclone Fengal.
Operations had been briefly halted on Saturday due to heavy rains and strong winds, resulting in many passengers being stranded for 8 to 10 hours as flights were cancelled without prior notice.
