01 Dec 2024 | 12:24 AM UTC
India: Cyclonic Storm Fengal tracking westward and nearing landfall over Tamil Nadu State, India, early Dec. 1 /update 1
Cyclonic Storm Fengal tracking westward, nearing landfall over Tamil Nadu State, India, early Dec. 1; system likely to dissipate by Dec. 2.
Cyclonic Storm Fengal is tracking westward and approaching landfall over India's Tamil Nadu State, near Puducherry, early Dec. 1. As of 02:30 IST, the storm's center of circulation was located approximately 98 km (61 miles) south of Chennai.
Forecast models indicate that the system's center of circulation will likely remain nearly stationary and slowly track westward over the coming hours. After landfall, the system is forecast to steadily weaken into a depression as it continues to track westward over northern Tamil Nadu State before dissipating by around midday Dec. 2. The storm's track and intensity forecast may change over the coming hours.
As of early Dec. 1, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Fengal would bring light-to-moderate rainfall to much of southern India and heavy rain in some isolated areas, Dec. 1-3. Strong winds and rough sea conditions are also forecast to affect coastal areas in the region. Storm surge of around 0.5 meters (1.5 feet) above the astronomical tide may lead to coastal flooding in some areas along the coasts of northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh over the short term.
The IMD has issued red warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for heavy rainfall and strong winds for Puducherry and parts of northern Tamil Nadu State, as well as orange and yellow warnings for heavy rain and strong winds in other parts of southern India. Orange and yellow warnings for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms will likely remain in effect for parts of southern India through at least Dec. 2. Officials will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the storm progresses.
Flooding and transport disruptions have been reported in parts of Tamil Nadu State. Chennai International Airport (MAA) was closed 12:30 Nov. 30-01:00 Dec. 1 due to flooding. Around 20 flights connecting Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) to Chennai International Airport (MAA) and Tirupati International Airport (TIR) were also canceled. Southern Railway has canceled or diverted some train services. Rainfall-related incidents in connection with Fengal have killed at least three people in the state capital. 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.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast adverse weather conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that are issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
