Bay of Bengal: Cyclonic Storm Fengal tracking northwestward towards Tamil Nadu State, India, early Nov. 30

Cyclonic Storm Fengal is tracking northwestward in the Bay of Bengal towards Tamil Nadu State, India, early Nov. 30. As of 08:30 IST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 148 km (92 miles) east-southeast of Chennai.

Forecast models indicate that the system will weaken slightly as it gradually turns to track westward and make landfall as a cyclonic storm over northeastern Tamil Nadu State near Chennai early Dec. 1. After landfall, the system is expected to weaken rapidly into a depression and dissipate as it tracks west-southwestward across northeastern Tamil Nadu State through early Dec. 2. The storm's track and intensity forecast remains somewhat uncertain, and changes may occur over the coming hours and days.

As of early Nov. 30, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a press release warning that the storm system would bring light to moderate rainfall to most of southern India and strong winds in coastal areas. Storm surge of about 1 meter (3 feet) above the astronomical tide will likely inundate low-lying coastal areas of northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh states and Puducherry Union Territory during landfall. The IMD has issued red thunderstorm and lightning warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu Nov. 30. Orange thunderstorm and lightning warnings are in place for southern Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu Dec. 1 and southern Karnataka and Kerala Dec. 2. Yellow heavy rain, thunderstorm, and lightning warnings are in place across most of the rest of southern India through Dec. 3. Officials will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the storm progresses.

More than 470 people in Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur districts in Tamil Nadu State have been evacuated to six relief camps. Authorities have established 2,229 camps in districts where heavy rain has been forecast. Over 4,100 fishing boats have returned to shore. Officials suspended all schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu districts Nov. 30. IT companies are requested to allow their employees to work from home from Nov. 30. Public transport operators have suspended services on the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) the afternoon of Nov. 30. All parks and beaches in Chennai District are closed.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Flash flooding, landslides, and additional evacuations are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Any raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters would pose a serious health threat.