According to the IMD, the cyclone crossed the coast near Puducherry between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm IST, with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph gusting up to 90 kmph.

In low-lying areas like Madipakkam, residents parked vehicles on higher ground, including both sides of the Velachery flyover, to prevent damage from flooding.

As per IMD, Cyclone Fengal to cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph during the evening of 30th November.

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.

Cyclonic Storm Fengal has begun crossing the coast of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to the region.

Cyclone Fengal is set to make landfall near Puducherry, affecting Tamil Nadu's coastal regions with heavy rain and flight disruptions. Authorities have issued warnings, urging fishermen to avoid the sea and closing tourist spots.

Heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram and Cuddalore and Puducherry.

The Puducherry government announced closures for November 29 and 30, affecting both government and privately managed institutions.

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

The cyclone is predicted to intensify over the next 48 hours, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and a risk of flooding to the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh.

Schools and colleges in some parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry remained closed today as heavy rains were forecast due to the impact of Cyclone Fengal brewing over the Bay of Bengal.