A depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours, prompting weather authorities to issue warnings of heavy rain and strong winds across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. As a precautionary measure, schools and colleges in the affected regions will remain closed tomorrow.
Here are the key updates regarding the developing weather system:
- Cyclone Formation: The depression currently over the southwest Bay of Bengal is predicted to intensify into a cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours. The storm is expected to bring widespread heavy rain to Tamil Nadu.
- Potential Landfall Location: While the cyclone is forecasted to move towards Chennai, the exact landfall location remains uncertain. It could hit anywhere between Puducherry and Chennai, or even extend beyond Tamil Nadu into neighboring Andhra Pradesh.
- Rainfall Warnings: Isolated areas in Tamil Nadu are expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. Districts including Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, and Cuddalore are likely to bear the brunt of the downpour.
- Wind Gusts Expected: Strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 65 km/h, are anticipated along the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal tomorrow. These winds could cause minor damage to structures and disrupt normal activities.
- Chennai and Surrounding Areas: In addition to the heavy rainfall in the coastal regions, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, and other districts in Tamil Nadu will also experience significant rainfall on Thursday. The areas expected to be affected include Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, and Nagapattinam, among others.
- Weather Alerts: An Orange alert, indicating heavy rainfall, has been issued for districts like Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Ranipet for Friday and Saturday. The red alert for Tamil Nadu’s delta districts has been downgraded to Orange as the cyclone’s intensity begins to decrease.
- Government Preparations: In anticipation of the cyclone, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has convened a meeting with officials to assess the state’s preparedness. Emergency response teams have been mobilized, and control rooms are operating 24/7.
- Puducherry’s Action Plan: Similarly, Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy has chaired an emergency meeting to review the situation and ensure readiness for the upcoming storm. The government is focusing on flood management and evacuation plans for the region.
- Disaster Response Teams: Both the Tamil Nadu and Central governments have stationed disaster response teams across the state. These teams are prepared for immediate action in the event of emergencies such as flooding or wind damage.
- Northeast Monsoon Systems: This marks the fourth significant weather system to develop during the northeast monsoon season since mid-October, adding to concerns about the region’s preparedness for heavy rains.
As the storm intensifies, authorities are urging residents in the affected areas to stay indoors and follow the advisories issued by local authorities. The potential for flooding, power outages, and disruptions to daily life is high, with officials monitoring the situation closely and advising on evacuation plans where necessary.
With the cyclone expected to bring widespread damage, residents are also advised to secure their homes and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. The government continues to track the storm’s progress and will update the public accordingly.
Sources By Agencies