In its latest update, IMD said that after making landfall, the cyclone has entered further inside the land. The cyclone is crossing north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram as a cyclonic storm.

IMD earlier issued a red alert for several southern states, including Tamil Nadu, South Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and interior Karnataka. Authorities took all necessary precautions ahead of widespread heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds.

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Ananda Das, Head of the IMD's Cyclonic Division, said that heavy to extremely heavy rainfall was expected across Tamil Nadu, South Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Kerala and interior Karnataka. A red alert has been issued in these regions as a precaution.

In preparation for the storm, authorities have ramped up safety measures. A team led by Puducherry Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kalaivanan inspected the region's beaches and coastal roads to assess vulnerability. Puducherry, which is on track to be one of the first locations to feel the impact of the cyclone, is on high alert.

Chennai faces waterlogging amid heavy rains

In Chennai, the effects of Cyclone Fengal's rain bands were already being felt on Friday morning. The city experienced significant waterlogging, with 134 locations affected. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) deployed 1,686 motor pumps, including 137 high-capacity 100HP units, to drain stagnant water. Despite these efforts, major roads like OMR, Five Furlong Road, and Santhome faced severe inundation. While water was cleared in eight areas, ongoing drainage work continued in the remaining 126 spots.

Seven subways in the city, including the Manickam Nagar, Stanley Nagar, and Villivakkam subways, were closed to traffic due to flooding. Authorities reported the removal of five fallen trees, and operations to clear the remaining obstacles are underway.

To assist residents, 329 relief centers have been set up across Chennai, providing food, water, and shelter. A total of 22,000 personnel and 18,500 volunteers are on standby for rescue and relief operations. 

Chennai airport closed till 4AM, metro open

Airport authorities have declared suspension of all operations till 4 AM on Sunday starting from 12.30 pm on Saturday. Both domestic and international flights were affected and some of the flights were diverted to Bengaluru and Tiruchirappalli with at least 18 flights being cancelled and 12 others delayed. Chennai airport authorities said IndiGo Airlines has temporarily suspended flight operations, which will resume once the weather improves.

However, the Chennai Metro Rail informed that its services were operational without any glitches. It also informed the public of parking areas in specific stations that were prone to inundation.

As the sea was pretty rough, police put up barricades blocking access to noted beaches including the Marina and Mamallapuram, PTI wrote. State-run Aavin milk supply was not affected and power supply continued to be normal in many areas as of now.

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Heavy rains in Puducherry

Puducherry experienced heavy rains on Saturday morning prompting the district administration to send SMS alerts to around 12 lakh residents cautioning them to remain vigilant. Officials have also advised the residents to stay indoors and a holiday has been declared for educational institutions.

District Collector A Kulothungan held discussions with the officials of PWD, local administration, police, and other line departments and reviewed the situation. 

“We have evacuated people from low-lying areas and shelter homes were also ready to accommodate them. Arrangements were also made to supply food packets. National Disaster Relief Force from Arakonam has arrived to engage in relief and rehabilitation works,” District Collector A Kulothungan told PTI.

As of now, a total of 471 people belonging to 164 families have been accommodated in six relief centers in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts. All necessary machinery and equipment including boats, generators, and motor pumps are ready in districts expected to be affected by the cyclone’s landfall. NDRF and state teams have been deployed wherever needed, including Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Chengelpet, and Chennai.