The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a critical alert as a depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal and East Equatorial Indian Ocean moves toward the Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu coasts. The weather system is expected to intensify into a deep depression within the next 24 hours and could potentially make landfall between Chennai and Puducherry in the coming days.
Current Position and Movement
As of 11:30 AM IST on November 25, the depression was located at:
•5.1°N latitude and 84.5°E longitude
•Approximately 530 km southeast of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka)
•810 km southeast of Nagappattinam
•920 km southeast of Puducherry
•1,000 km south-southeast of Chennai
•The system is currently moving west-northwestward at a speed of 30 km/h.
IMD’s Projections
According to IMD’s latest bulletin:
•The depression is likely to intensify into a deep depression within the next 24 hours.
•It is expected to continue its northwestward trajectory, approaching the Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka coast within two days.
•Models suggest the system could develop into a marginal cyclonic storm, potentially named ‘Fengal,’ before weakening slightly ahead of landfall.
•Landfall is anticipated between Puducherry and Chennai between November 29 afternoon and early November 30 morning.
The depression is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high sea waves to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Sri Lanka. Coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, are likely to experience heavy showers, localized flooding, and disruptions in transportation. Fisherfolk have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea due to rough conditions.
Cyclone ‘Fengal’ on the Horizon?
If the system intensifies into a cyclone, it will be named ‘Fengal’, becoming the fourth named storm of the 2024 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. The IMD notes, however, that intensification beyond a marginal cyclonic storm stage is unlikely due to varying model predictions and environmental factors.
The IMD has urged state governments in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to prepare for possible contingencies. Disaster management teams are being mobilized, and public advisories are expected to be issued shortly.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the system moves closer to the Indian coastline.
