The cyclonic storm is likely to remain in Tamil Nadu, and weaken into a deep depression, stated the IMD in its latest release

Cyclonic Storm Fengal crossed the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts during the early hours of Sunday morning and is likely to continue moving west-southwestward, weakening into a deep depression within the next few hours,

Meanwhile, operations at the Chennai airport, which had been suspended on Sunday, resumed past midnight but many flights suffered cancellations and delays

The Cyclone Fengal, which formed in the Bay of Bengal, made landfall near Puducherry late Saturday night, between 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM.

IMD predicts that the cyclonic storm will move west-northwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts close to Puducherry with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during the afternoon today. As Cyclone Fengal expected to intensify Chennai coast, A scene at Kovalam Beach, in Chennai on Friday. | Photo Credit: Ravindran. R

Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall near Puducherry on November 30, remained stationary near the union territory and would gradually weaken in the next three hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday.

Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry and remained stationary, gradually weakening. The Chennai airport resumed operations after being suspended, with multiple flight cancellations and delays.

The Department of Revenue and Disaster Management has set up toll-free numbers 112 and 1077 to receive distress calls from the public. People can also seek help through the WhatsApp number 9488981070.

In a 7:35 pm update, the IMD reported that the forward sector of the cyclone's spiral bands has already moved inland. The storm is forecast to continue moving west-southwest, crossing the northern Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram,

Chennai and neighbourhood areas in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry reported heavy rainfall on Saturday with intense continuing as the cyclone Fengal's landfall process commences at around 7pm.

The cyclonic storm has progressed towards Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts and is making landfall near Puducherry, an IMD official said. A red alert has been issued for 10 districts of Tamil Nadu.