01 Dec 2024 | 09:45 AM UTC
India: Deep Depression Fengal tracking west-northwestward evening Dec. 1 following landfall north of Puducherry City earlier in the day /update 2
Deep Depression Fengal tracking west-northwestward evening Dec. 1 following landfall north of Puducherry City, India, earlier in the day.
Deep Depression Fengal is tracking west-northwestward over India's Tamil Nadu State on the evening of Dec. 1 following landfall north of Puducherry City earlier in the day. As of 14:30 IST, the storm's center of circulation was located approximately 1,474 km (916 miles) southwest of Kolkata, India.
Forecast models indicate that the system's center of circulation will steadily weaken into a depression as it continues to track west-northwestward over northern Tamil Nadu State before dissipating by late Dec. 1. The storm's track and intensity forecast may change over the coming hours.
As of the evening of 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.
The IMD has issued red warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for thunderstorms and lightning over Puducherry Union Territory and Tamil Nadu State Dec. 1 and over Kerala State Dec. 2, as well as orange warnings for thunderstorms and lightning in Kerala State Dec. 1 and over Puducherry Union Territory and Tamil Nadu and southern Karnataka states Dec. 2. Yellow warnings for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning will likely remain in effect for parts of southern India through at least Dec. 3. 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. At least three people in the state capital died due to electrocution. More than 1,400 people in Viluppuram District in Tamil Nadu State, more than 470 people in low-lying areas of Chennai City, and more than 100 people in Puducherry Union Territory were evacuated. Authorities in Tamil Nadu State declared a holiday for all education institutions, urged companies to permit employees to work from home, and suspended public transportation on some roads in the east of Chennai City. 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.
