CHENNAI: The cyclonic storm 'Fengal', which made landfall on Saturday night, delivered historic rains over Villupuram and Puducherry, where it made landfall post Saturday midnight. Automatic weather stations in Mailam (Villupuram) and Puducherry have recorded 504 mm and 490 mm of rainfall respectively till 7.

The cyclonic storm has begun making landfall near Puducherry. The landfall process may take approximately 4 hours to complete.

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 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,

Cyclone Fengal is set to make landfall near Puducherry, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and nearby regions. Dense fog and temperature variations are expected in Delhi/NCR and central India over the coming days.

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.

After the landfall, the Cyclone is forecasted to move west-southwestwards and gradually weaken into a deep depression within the next six hours.

The India Meteorological Department has retained its red alert for the third day for intense downpours in Tamil Nadu, Kariakal, and Puducherry.

Chennai and nearby areas experienced heavy rains due to cyclone Fengal, disrupting transport services and prompting evacuations. While no major damage was reported, hospitals were inundated, and operations at Chennai airport were suspended.