The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai announced on Tuesday that a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal could intensify into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday, November 27.
As per the latest updates from S. Balachandran, Additional Director General of Meteorology, the system was located at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining East Equatorial Indian Ocean. It was centered near latitude 6.3°N and longitude 82.8°E. The system was situated approximately 310 km southeast of Trincomalee, 590 km south-southeast of Nagapattinam, 710 km south-southeast of Puducherry, and 800 km south-southeast of Chennai. It is moving north-northwestward at a speed of 12 kmph and is expected to continue in this direction over the next 48 hours, potentially developing into a cyclonic storm.
Rainfall Alert for Tamil Nadu
Widespread rainfall has already begun in Chennai and its suburbs, with light to moderate rain predicted to persist until Thursday, November 28. Occasional heavy spells are also expected during this period.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several districts in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Ranipet, Villupuram, Kallakkurichi, and others, are likely to experience moderate thunderstorms, lightning, and rainfall over the next three hours.
Coastal Precautions
Authorities have issued warnings for the coastal regions as the system is expected to move close to the Tamil Nadu coast while skirting Sri Lanka. The public and fishermen are advised to exercise caution and avoid venturing into the sea.
The situation is being closely monitored by meteorological authorities, and the state government has been alerted to prepare for potential impacts.