CHENNAI: Several northern and delta districts of Tamil Nadu — including Chennai — are preparing for heavy to very heavy rainfall as the season’s second cyclonic storm is expected to develop over the Bay of Bengal by November 27. The system, once formed, will be named Cyclone Senyar, a UAE-proposed name meaning “lion.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of extremely wet conditions across the state over the next two to three days. As per forecasts, very heavy rainfall (12–20 cm) is likely in three delta districts on November 28, seven districts including Chennai on November 29, and Tiruvallur on November 30.
In view of the worsening conditions, schools in Rameswaram have been closed on Wednesday. IMD officials said rainfall patterns will be influenced by two systems — Cyclone Senyar over the Strait of Malacca and a well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal — both of which are expected to intensify.
Key updates
- Cyclone Senyar has formed over the Strait of Malacca and adjoining Northeast Indonesia after strengthening from a deep depression; it was centered at 5.0°N, 98.0°E at 5:30 am on Nov 26.
- The storm is likely to retain cyclonic intensity for the next 24 hours, make landfall along the Indonesia coast on Nov 26, then move west-southwest before recurving eastwards over the next 48 hours.
- A well-marked low-pressure area persists over the southwest Bay of Bengal, Southeast Sri Lanka and the Equatorial Indian Ocean, and may intensify into a depression within 24 hours.
- The IMD expects a cyclonic storm to form in the Bay of Bengal by Nov 27, significantly enhancing rainfall over Tamil Nadu.
Rainfall warnings
- Nov 28: Heavy to very heavy rain in three delta districts
- Nov 29: Very heavy rain in seven districts, including Chennai
- Nov 30: Heavy rain warning for Tiruvallur
Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable coastal stretches to stay alert and closely monitor weather advisories.
