The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast that a weather system over the Bay of Bengal will make landfall as a deep depression between Karaikal in Puducherry and Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu on Saturday, November 30. This system is expected to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, prompting the issuance of a red alert. The alert warns of rainfall exceeding 24.4 cm in some areas and is in effect for November 29 and November 30 as the depression approaches the coastline.
Initially, there were concerns that the weather system might intensify into a cyclonic storm. However, officials have noted a significant slowdown in its movement since November 28, delaying its intensification. Consequently, the system is now expected to make landfall as a depression with wind speeds of 45-55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph.
On Thursday, light rainfall was reported in parts of the Cauvery Delta region, but the approaching system is anticipated to intensify rainfall across coastal regions as it nears landfall.
The RMC has issued red alerts for several districts, including Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal. Additionally, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Ariyalur, and Thanjavur. The rainfall is likely to persist in these regions until December 1. The ongoing heavy rainfall in the Cauvery Delta region has already caused the inundation of thousands of acres of crops, raising fears of further damage in the coming days.
In response to the situation, the Tamil Nadu government has instructed district administrations to evacuate residents from low-lying areas and set up relief centres for those affected by flooding. In Puducherry and Karaikal, all schools and colleges will remain closed on November 29 and 30, according to Education Minister A. Namassivayam. The state government has also held a meeting with district collectors to review preparedness and ensure prompt action.
S. Balachandran, Director of RMC Chennai, stated that the depression is expected to move north-northwestward, skirting the Sri Lankan coast before crossing the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline on the morning of November 30. While earlier predictions suggested it might temporarily develop into a cyclone, the system is now expected to weaken into a depression before landfall. Rainfall in Chennai and nearby districts is projected to continue until Sunday, December 1.
Adverse weather conditions have also disrupted flight services. IndiGo Airlines issued a travel advisory, cautioning passengers about continued disruptions on routes connecting Chennai, Tuticorin, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, and Salem. Travellers have been advised to check for updates on the airline’s website to adjust their plans accordingly.
