Rough waves disrupt Ennore Expressway in Chennai as Cyclone Arnab hits AP

Rough waves driven by Cyclone Arnab surged over the shoreline and onto the Ennore Expressway in north Chennai on the evening of October 27, disrupting traffic, pushing vehicles off the road and sweeping away roadside stalls. 

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has now closed the affected stretch of the Ennore Expressway. Videos circulating on social media showed cars, autorickshaws and two-wheelers being drenched by waves, while some smaller vehicles were pushed by the water’s force.

The Ennore Expressway connects Ennore with Kasimedu harbour and is used by trucks travelling to the port as well as residents of Kasimedu, Tollgate, Thiruvottiyur and Ennore. Police diverted traffic to prevent accidents.

According to Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), vehicles travelling from Ramakrishna Nagar to Annai Sivagami Nagar were directed via Ernavur Bridge, Murugar Kovil Road and Kathivakkam Beach. Vehicles from Thazhakuppam and Ennore were diverted via Kathivakkam Bridge and Murugar Kovil Road.

The disruption in Chennai came as Cyclone Arnab, classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, began crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast in the early hours of October 28. 

Several coastal settlements in north Chennai including Bharathiyar Nagar, Burma Nagar, Nettukuppam, Thalankuppam, Indira Gandhi Kuppam, Periyakuppam and Chinnakuppam experienced impacts. Seawater entered parts of Thalankuppam but receded before reaching nearby houses and fishers in Kasi Kovil Kuppam in Thiruvottiyur reported seawater entering their homes.

Thiruvottiyur MLA N Senthil Kumar visited the affected area and said there was no need for the public to panic. Despite the alarming conditions, some youths were seen climbing onto coastal rocks to take selfies and record videos for social media. Police were deployed to issue warnings and disperse crowds.  

The Indian Coast Guard has also been conducting reviews for the past two days to ensure that fishing boats return to shore amid Sea State 6 conditions, classified as very rough. Such conditions can generate waves measuring four to six metres (13–20 feet), posing serious risks to small boats, and larger ships can also experience substantial rolling and pitching.

The northern Chennai coastline has a relatively narrow belt, with some stretches measuring barely 20–30 metres or less. Groynes have been constructed along parts of the coast to help withstand waves reaching the shoreline.