The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for six districts, including Chengalpettu, due to the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.
Though the system prevailing over the sea is likely to make a landfall as depression between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on Saturday, it is unlikely to turn into a cyclonic storm, said experts. This is due to high wind shear, as per the Regional Meteorological Centre.
According to Chennai-based weather blogger Srikanth, the delay in cyclone Fengal formation was because the weather system prevailed off the Sri Lanka coast, and the wind shear was high. Though there is no cyclone formation, coastal districts are likely to receive intense monsoon spells for the next two days," he told DT Next.
The system prevailing over the sea is likely to make landfall as a depression between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram on Saturday.
The IMD alert issued on Friday morning said the deep depression had moved north-northwestwards with a speed of seven kmph during the past six hours and lay centred about 260 km northeast of Trincomalee, 310 km east of Nagappattinam, 360 km east-southeast of Puducherry and 400 km southeast of Chennai.
"It is very likely to move northwestwards and cross north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram close to Puducherry around Saturday morning as a deep depression with a wind speed of 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph," the alert added.
Red alert in 6 district
Schools have been shut after the IMD issued a Red Alert in six districts, including Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam districts.
Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ariyalur and Thanjavur are likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall.
In Chennai, schools have been declared a holiday as a precautionary measure on Friday. Chengalpattu district also declared a holiday today.
The IMD has issued an advisory for fishermen across Tamil Nadu, urging them to avoid venturing into the sea until November 30 due to adverse weather conditions.