Cyclone Fengal: Deep depression heads to Puducherry coast, schools remain shut

The deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, which initially raised concerns of Cyclone Fengal, is not expected to intensify into a cyclone, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. However, the Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai’s latest updates indicate that the system could still strengthen into a cyclonic storm by 1 PM today, November 29.
The deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to cross the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram, close to Puducherry, on the morning of November 30, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD predicts that the system will bring winds ranging from 55 to 65 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 75 kmph when it makes landfall. Coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are already experiencing gusty winds, and residents have been advised to remain cautious.
Heavy rainfall is expected across central and northern Tamil Nadu. On November 29, districts like Nagapattinam, Villupuram, and Chengalpattu are likely to see significant rainfall, while Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvannamalai are forecast to receive intense showers on November 30.
In anticipation of the storm, schools in Chennai and Chengalpet districts were closed on Friday, and fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea until the system has passed.

It is likely to continue to move north-west wards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during the afternoon on 30th November, the IMD said.
Explaining why the system did not develop into a cyclone, IMD Regional Director S. Balachandran said that while initial conditions seemed favorable, they changed over the past few days. “The lower-level convergence, which was strong on November 26 and 27, weakened by Thursday. This reduced cloud formation and prevented the system from organizing into a cyclone,” he said.
Balachandran added that for a cyclone to form, the atmospheric vortex needs to align in both the lower and upper levels. In this case, the alignment was inconsistent, reducing the system’s intensity.
While the possibility of the depression intensifying into a cyclone is now minimal, the IMD continues to monitor its progress closely and will provide timely updates.