Sat Nov 30 01:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Cyclone Fengal to Make Landfall in Tamil Nadu, Schools Closed
**Chennai, Tamil Nadu, November 30, 2024** – Cyclone Fengal, currently located approximately 250 kilometers from Chennai, is expected to make landfall between Puducherry (Karaikal) and Mahabalipuram on Saturday morning, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Chennai regional center. The cyclone is predicted to bring winds of up to 65 kilometers per hour at landfall.
Heavy rainfall is anticipated across 15 districts in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Cuddalore. Schools and colleges have been closed in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai as a precautionary measure. Other affected districts include Villupuram, Ranipet, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari. Puducherry and Karaikal are also expected to experience heavy rainfall.
Strong winds and heavy rain have already been reported in several areas of Chennai, with reports of high waves and rough seas in areas like Kasimedu and Pattinampakkam. The IMD has warned of wind speeds reaching 55-65 kmph along the Tamil Nadu coast, the Gulf of Mannar, and the Kanyakumari coast during landfall. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea and those already at sea to return to shore immediately.
The IMD forecasts wind speeds of 60-90 kmph in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Mayiladuthurai districts during the cyclone’s landfall. The Tamil Nadu government has taken preventative measures, including lowering construction cranes and billboards and deploying NDRF teams. Tourists have been evacuated from the Mahabalipuram coastal area, and swimming is prohibited. Flood relief teams are on standby in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Schools have also been closed in Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Kallakurichi districts due to the expected heavy rainfall.
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