Cyclone Fengal makes landfall near Puducherry

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the storm will cross the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts tonight.

Ahead of the landfall, heavy rain and strong winds caused significant disruptions in Chennai.

Flooding at the Chennai airport led to the cancellation of multiple flights, affecting hundreds of passengers.

Train services were also disrupted, prompting the Southern Railway to announce adjustments to its schedule.

The prevailing weather conditions will persist till 11.30 pm, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest update.

The cyclone has led to a weather change, impacting flights to and from Chennai and local trains.

The Chennai airport will remain shut till 4 am on Sunday due to higher crosswinds forecast by the Met department. Southern Railway has informed that fewer suburban trains will run during this time.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rain in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore districts of Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. Several coastal areas are already witnessing a change in the weather and high tides.

A red alert has been issued across Tamil Nadu: Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Viluppuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore districts, besides Puducherry.

An orange alert is in place in Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal districts.

Schools and colleges will remain closed in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Mayiladuthurai districts in Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry today.

Warning of rough seas and strong winds, authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the sea and move their boats and other equipment to higher grounds to prevent damage.