As Chennai braces for Cyclone Fengal (pronounced Feinjal) to make landfall by Saturday afternoon with upto 90kmph expected wind speed and 20c.

The Tamil Nadu and Puducherry governments are on high alert, deploying NDRF and SDRF teams in the districts which are expected to face the cyclone’s wrath. The Tamil Nadu government has stepped up measures like relief camps and shelters and emergency medical teams.

On the day of landfall, severe rainfall is expected in seven coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, and neighbouring areas. Delta and northern interior districts are also likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall on Saturday.

Cyclone Fengal has intensified into a storm, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. Red alert issued for few Tamil Nadu districts and Puducherry, as authorities mobilise relief efforts and warn fishermen.

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclone - named Fengal, pronounced 'Feinjal' - and is likely to cross the Tamil Nadu coast between Karaikal and Mamallapuram mid-Saturday,

The Indian Navy has activated a comprehensive disaster response plan as the cyclonic storm intensifies in the Bay of Bengal.

The cyclonic storm, named 'Fengal' and pronounced as 'Feinjal' is likely to make a landfall on November 30 afternoon close to Puducherry with a wind speed, gusting upto 90 kmph.

Due to heavy rain, the Chennai district collector declared a holiday for schools on Friday. Chengalpettu district also followed suit. The deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is projected to weaken without forming Cyclone Fengal.

Schools in Chennai will remain shut on Friday amid a heavy rain alert due to Cyclone Fengal. Chennai District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Zagade has announced a holiday for all schools from classes 1 to 12 on November 29.