Cyclone Michaung to hit Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, check intensity

As the Bay of Bengal braces for the impact of Cyclone Michaung, the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are on high alert. The cyclone, which has been brewing in the west-central Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall by the forenoon of December 4, bringing with it heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Cyclone Michaung to hit Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rains accompanied by winds ranging from 90 to 100 kilometres per hour (kmph). Cities such as Chennai, Nellore, Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, and to a certain extent, Hyderabad and Warangal, are likely to be significantly impacted.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Cyclone Michaung will reach peak intensity during the evening hours of December 4, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 80-90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph. The cyclone is projected to pass over the South Andhra Pradesh and adjoining North Tamil Nadu coast, between Chennai and Machilipatnam, around 6 pm on Monday.

As of the latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department at 12 noon on December 3, Cyclonic Storm "MICHAUNG" (pronounced as MIGJAUM) is situated over the southwest Bay of Bengal. It has been moving northwestwards at a speed of 5 kmph.

The cyclone is currently centered near Latitude 11.5°N and Longitude 82.4°E, approximately 290 km east-southeast of Puducherry, 290 km southeast of Chennai, 420 km southeast of Nellore, 530 km south-southeast of Bapatla, and 530 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam.

Warning of heavy rain due to cyclonic storm

The weather forecast indicates a mix of rain patterns across several regions from December 4 to 6. Here’s a simplified summary:

• North Coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry: Expect light to moderate rain widely, with heavy to very heavy rain in some areas and intense rain in others on December 4. Heavy rain may occur in parts of these regions on December 5, but the rainfall is likely to decrease afterward.
• Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam: Anticipate light to moderate rain in most areas, with heavy to very heavy rain in some parts and severe rain in others on December 4 and 5. North Coastal Andhra Pradesh may experience heavy rainfall on December 6.
• Rayalaseema: There’s a chance of light to moderate rain in many areas, and heavy to extremely heavy rain in some on December 4. Heavy rain is possible in various areas on December 5, with a reduction in rainfall expected thereafter.
• Telangana: Some parts may see light to moderate rain, and some areas may have heavy rain on December 4 and 5. Very heavy rain could occur in different parts on December 5.
• Odisha: Light to moderate rain is likely over most parts from December 4 to 6, with heavy rain over isolated parts of south coastal and adjoining south interior Odisha. Very heavy rain is expected in parts of the region on December 5.

Media reports also suggest that flights in these coastal states have been disrupted due to the heavy rains and stormy conditions. Please stay updated with local weather advisories and take necessary precautions.

Schools closed in Tamil Nadu

In anticipation of the cyclone’s arrival, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a public holiday on December 4, advising residents to stay indoors and prepare for the inclement weather. Schools have been shut down, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 21 teams for rescue and relief operations.

The IMD has issued a yellow watch, advising residents to be updated until Saturday, followed by an orange alert, which means to be prepared for the inclement weather on Sunday and Monday. District-level orange alerts have been placed over Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and other districts, indicating the severity of the expected conditions.

As Cyclone Michaung approaches, the threat of isolated extremely heavy rains looms over coastal Andhra Pradesh from Sunday to Tuesday, and Odisha is likely to experience isolated very heavy rainfall on Tuesday. The IMD has advised fishers not to venture into the southeast Bay of Bengal until December 2, the southwest Bay of Bengal until December 4, and the west-central Bay of Bengal until December 5.

Fishermen cautioned: Stormy seas ahead

Due to the stormy conditions, the Meteorological Department has issued a warning for fishermen to avoid the sea. Strong storm winds of 80 to 100 km per hour are expected along the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts and the South-West Bay of Bengal on December 4, with an increase to 85 to 105 km per hour. However, the wind speed is anticipated to decrease gradually by the afternoon of December 4.

In the west-central Bay of Bengal, storm winds are continuing at speeds of 80 to 90 km per hour, expected to increase to 90 to 110 km per hour. From the evening of December 4 to the morning of December 5, the storm winds could intensify to 95 to 115 km per hour, but they are likely to reduce gradually after reaching a peak speed of 90 to 110 km per hour by the afternoon of December 5.

Fishermen have been advised not to engage in fishing or any related activities in the South-West Bay of Bengal and along the North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts until December 5, the West Central Bay of Bengal and Andhra Pradesh coast until December 6, and the Odisha coasts until December 6.

Storm winds may damage weak structures, trees, and branches, potentially uprooting smaller trees and affecting power and communication lines. Heavy rains could severely damage unpaved roads and slightly affect paved ones. Farms, including paddy fields and gardens, are at risk. Coastal areas might see seawater intrusion and flooding due to heavy rains. Residents should stay updated and take safety measures.

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