Cyclone Michaung looms over Bay of Bengal; TN, Andhra in alert

Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning as the Cyclone Michaung intensifies over Bay of Bengal and the South Andaman Sea, NDTV reported.

Earlier, the Chennai Meteorological Centre predicted thunderstorms in 12 districts, Asian News International reported.

The cyclone is expected to make landfall on December 4, and southern India is preparing to brace off.

The IMD has issued an Orange alert for Tamil Nadu and coastal and interior Andhra Pradesh, suggesting moderate to heavy rainfall. There could be isolated heavy rainfall and chances of waterlogging in Chennai city.

IMD observations state that a low-pressure area in the Southeast Bay of Bengal has transformed into a depression, and the system might evolve into a Cyclonic storm over the Southwest Bay of Bengal by December 3. The sea is expected to be rougher than usual in coastal areas.

Due to the cyclone effect, the sea has gone 100 metres backwards in Velankanni Beach in Nagapattinam district, increasing the shore breadth.

Responding to the low-pressure system, the state administration has released 402 cubic feet of water from Chembarambakkam Lake in Kanchipuram district to prevent potential flooding.

Michaung is predicted to move northeastwards, cutting South Andhra Pradesh on the Tamil Nadu coast between Chennai and Machilipatnam on the evening of December 4.

The administration has issued advisories to fishing communities to suspend activities along coastal regions, citing safety threats. Residents are requested to follow official channels safety guidelines and cooperate with authorities.

Earlier, Chennai Meteorological Centre forecast moderate thunderstorms and rain in the districts of Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Thiruvarur, Ramanathapuram, Thiruppur, Dindigul, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Thirunelveli Kanyakumari and Karaikal.