According to IMD, the cyclonic storm is currently over the Southwest Bay of Bengal and is likely to continue to move northwestwards, intensify further and reach Westcentral Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts by Monday forenoon.
"It is likely to intensify gradually and move nearly northwards almost parallel and close to south Andhra Pradesh coast and cross South Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla during forenoon of December 5 as a 'Severe Cyclonic Storm' with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph," the weather agency said.
Heavy rainfall due to Cyclone Michaung caused severe waterlogging in several areas across Chennai on Monday. Several low-lying areas, including hospitals and many residential parts, witnessed inundation even as civic agency personnel were involved in clearing the stagnant water.
Trains and flight services have also been adversely affected due to the weather. The Chennai bench of the Madras High Court and all district courts in the city have been shut.
Waterlogging has been reported in several parts of the city such as Maduravoyal, Porur, Saligaramam, and Valasaravakkam. Trees have been uprooted due to strong winds in many places. Several trains and flights have been either cancelled or delayed due to the adverse weather conditions.
According to PTI, at least 12 domestic outbound services, including to destinations like Ahmedabad and Thiruvananthapuram were cancelled in Chennai.Four international services, including to Dubai and Srilanka were also cancelled by a private carrier, the news agency reported, citing unidentified officials. Three arriving international services were diverted to Bengaluru.
Similarly, 11 express trains from Chennai Central were cancelled after the water level reached the danger mark at Bridge No. 14 between Vyasarpadi and Basin Bridge owing to heavy downpours.
"In view of heavy rain in Chennai and the water crossing the danger level in Bridge No. 14 between Basin Bridge and Vyasarpady stations, the trains have been regulated as given below. Please go through and plan your journeys accordingly. We regret the inconvenience caused," the Divisional Railway Manager, Chennai, Southern Railway, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Suburban train services in all the Chennai Suburban sections have also been temporarily suspended till 8 am on Monday.
Heavy rainfall is expected across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh due to cyclone Michaung in the coming days. Tamil Nadu has already declared a public holiday in the wake of the warning of bad weather.
The principal bench of the Madras High Court and all district courts in Chennai are also to remain shut on account of the rains.
Section 144 imposed on coastal areas of Puducherry
In view of Cyclone Michaung, the Puducherry district administration has imposed Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code on the coastal areas close to the seashore of Pudhucherry, reported ANI.
The administration has restricted the movement of all persons on the coastal areas near the seashore from 7 pm on December 3 until 6 pm on December 5. The step has been taken to prevent any loss of life or property.
Here are the measures taken by the Tamil Nadu government:
The Tamil Nadu government, in an official statement on Monday, declared the closure of all educational institutions in Chennai on Tuesday due to anticipated heavy rainfall.
The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has taken precautionary measures, cancelling a total of 60 trains within its jurisdiction. Additionally, ECoR has activated a Crisis Management Cell to closely monitor the developments associated with Cyclone Michaung. Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), ECoR Ashoka Kumar Mishra said, “The ECoR is providing a round-the-clock helpline number for information or assistance for the convenience of passengers. It has intensified patrolling at vulnerable locations by deputing patrolmen and watchmen. Additional Control Room and Disaster Management Cell will be opened at Divisional Headquarters. 60 trains have been cancelled in ECoR Jurisdiction ahead of Cyclone Michaung.”
Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bangalore experienced a surge in activity on Monday after 33 flights from Chennai — domestic and international carriers such as Indigo, SpiceJet, Etihad, Lufthansa, and Gulf Air — were diverted to KIA. The move came as the Chennai airport grappled with severe weather conditions, leading to the closure of arrival and departure operations until 11 pm on Monday. In light of non-stop rains, a total of 70 flights to and from the Chennai airport were cancelled.
Chief Minister MK Stalin, addressing the residents of Tamil Nadu, issued a plea for them to remain indoors until the storm subsides. Personally taking charge of the situation, the Chief Minister inspected the control room to evaluate its preparedness for managing the cyclone.
The 12 Madras Unit of the Indian Army is undertaking rescue operations in the Mugalivakkam and Manapakkam areas of Chennai, responding to the impact of intense rainfall and extensive waterlogging.
The Tamil Nadu government called upon private companies and establishments in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts to enable work-from-home arrangements for their employees on Tuesday, considering the expected heavy rains and potential consequences.
