Travel plans to and from Tamil Nadu have been severely disrupted as a deep depression brewing in the southwest Bay of Bengal intensifies towards a cyclonic storm. Flights operating to and from key cities like Chennai, Tuticorin, and Madurai have been affected, with severe weather conditions expected to continue into the coming days.
IndiGo Airlines has issued a travel advisory, urging passengers to check for updates as adverse weather impacts flight schedules. In a statement on X, the airline confirmed that flights to and from Chennai, Tuticorin, and Madurai are still facing delays and cancellations. The airline has expressed hopes for a swift resolution and thanked passengers for their understanding as they navigate the challenges brought by the storm. “#6ETravelAdvisory: Due to adverse weather conditions, flights to/from #Chennai, #Tuticorin, and #Madurai continue to be impacted, while #Tiruchirappalli and #Salem might now also be affected,” the airline stated. The disruption comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues alerts for the intensifying system. The depression, located about 190 km southeast of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, is moving northwards at 10 km/h and is expected to evolve into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday. As of 11:30 PM IST on Tuesday, the depression was about 470 km southeast of Nagapattinam, on the Tamil Nadu coast, which is anticipated to be directly impacted in the coming days.
Heavy rainfall has already been reported across Chennai and its suburbs since Tuesday morning, with the IMD forecasting light to moderate rainfall throughout the week. The department has raised red and yellow alerts for several Tamil Nadu districts, with extremely heavy rainfall predicted in central districts on November 26, and more alerts for November 27-29. Areas like Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpet will also experience heavy rainfall, compounded by thunderstorms and lightning. Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, noted that the depression is expected to intensify further, increasing the severity of the storm as it approaches the coastline. “Yesterday’s depression will intensify into a deep depression… It is likely to further intensify into a cyclonic storm and move towards the north direction, towards the Tamil Nadu coast,” Balachandran said. Passengers are advised to remain updated with the latest information from airlines and local authorities, as the cyclone’s development continues to affect travel and weather conditions in Tamil Nadu. With heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the potential for flooding, residents and travelers alike must prepare for the disruptions expected in the coming days.
