Cyclone Fengal, moving at 7kmph, started to enter the coast on Saturday evening. It is expected to cross between Karaikal and Mamallapuram near Puduch

In a 7:35 pm update, the IMD reported that the forward sector of the cyclone's spiral bands has already moved inland. The storm is forecast to continue moving west-southwest, crossing the northern Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram,

Cyclonic storm Fengal has commenced making landfall close to Puducherry and it may approximately take four hours for it to cross the coast completely, an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said here on Saturday.

The Director of Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre in Andhra Pradesh, Srinuvas said that they have issued a warning of 'extremely heavy rainfall' for the districts of Nellore, Tirupati and Chittoor for the next 24 hours.

Cyclone Fengal's landfall has caused heavy rains and winds in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, disrupting transport and daily life. Authorities have activated emergency protocols, with closure of airports and changes in train schedules.

Cyclone Fengal has begun making its landfall near Puducherry late on Saturday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) anno

The name Fengal is rooted in cultural and linguistic significance. Though its precise origin is tied to Saudi Arabia, the country that named it, "Fengal" is believed to symbolise a strong wind or storm.

Cyclone Fengal, with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph and gusts reaching 90 kmph, is hitting the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts. Operations at Chennai Airport are suspended, and flights and train services are disrupted.

Landfalls can last for a few hours, with their exact duration depending on the speed of the winds and the size of the storm system

Cyclone Fengal approaches Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts, leading to airport closures, flight diversions, and public transport disruptions in Chennai.