Storm Fengal hits Tamil Nadu: Chennai airport suspends operations as cyclone makes landfall

Chennai News: Cyclonic storm Fengal began its landfall process on the evening of November 30 near the Puducherry coast, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirming the storm's progress. The storm is expected to fully cross the coast in approximately four hours, causing significant disruption in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Cyclone Fengal's Landfall Begins Near Puducherry

According to S Balachandran, Additional Director General at IMD-Regional Meteorological Centre, the landfall process commenced at around 5:30 PM on Saturday. The storm is currently advancing towards the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, with winds reaching speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph. The cyclone's forward spiral bands have already moved inland, indicating that the worst of the storm is imminent.

"Latest observations indicate that the forward sector of spiral bands associated with the cyclone has entered into the land. It is likely to move west-southwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during next 3 to 4 hours," said the IMD in an update shared via social media platform X.

Chennai Airport Suspends Operations Amid Cyclone Fengal

In response to the worsening conditions, Chennai Airport authorities have extended the suspension of all operations until 4 AM on December 1. A statement from the airport confirmed that a meeting of senior officials had taken place to ensure the earliest possible resumption of flights once conditions improve. Over 50 flights to and from Chennai have been canceled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Train Services Disrupted Due to Cyclone's Impact

In addition to air travel chaos, Cyclone Fengal has caused severe disruptions to train services in the region. Southern Railway has announced changes to several train schedules, with many trains delayed or canceled due to the storm's heavy rains and strong winds.

Heavy rainfall caused by the cyclone led to widespread waterlogging across Chennai. Several areas, including Korattur, Velachery-Madipakkam, and Kodungaiyur, were submerged, with rainwater entering homes in localities such as Hasthinapuram and Tirumalai Nagar. These incidents highlight the urgent need for flood control measures in the city, as the cyclone continues to bring heavy rains and strong winds.