Record rainfall in Chennai as Michaung intensifies into severe cyclonic storm, causes major disruptions

Tropical Cyclone “Michaung” has brought Chennai to a standstill, with continuous heavy rains since the early morning. The city has accumulated an alarming 460 mm (18.1 inches) of rainfall by 14:30 LT, surpassing its average December rainfall. Michaung is the 6^th named storm of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. It is forecasted to intensify and make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam, near Bapatla, during the forenoon of December 5.

Chennai, the bustling capital of India’s Tamil Nadu state, is experiencing an extraordinary weather crisis brought by Tropical Cyclone “Michaun” which has been delivering relentless rainfall since the early hours of December 5, 2023. The city, which typically receives about 191 mm (7.5 inches) of rainfall in December, has already witnessed a record-breaking 460 mm (18.1 inches) by 14:30 LT today. This amount is rapidly approaching the previous December record of 542 mm (21.3 inches) set in 2015.

The Meenambakkam Airport observatory in Chennai recorded an astonishing 250 mm (9.8 inches) of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 08:30 LT today. From 08:30 to 14:30 LT, an additional 108 mm (4.25 inches) was added to this total. The combination of torrential rain and gale-speed winds has led to the temporary closure of Chennai airport until 23:30 LT tonight, severely disrupting air travel.

The cyclone’s current trajectory shows it moving nearly northwards, parallel to the south Andhra Pradesh coast. It is forecasted to intensify and make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam, near Bapatla, during the forenoon of December 5. Wind speeds are expected to reach a maximum of 100 km/h (62 mph), with gusts up to 110 km/h (68.3 mph).

The RSMC has issued several warnings, including rainfall, wind, sea condition, and fishermen warnings. Coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha are expected to experience varying degrees of heavy rainfall and strong winds. The storm surge, estimated to be around 1 to 1.5 m (3.3 – 4.9 feet) above the astronomical tide, is likely to cause significant coastal inundation, particularly in low-lying areas.

Local authorities are advising residents to remain indoors and avoid areas prone to waterlogging. Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact on vulnerable structures and communities, particularly in coastal districts.

References:

¹ CYCLONE MICHAUNG, CHENNAI RECEIVES RECORD HEAVY RAINFALL IN DECEMBER – SkyMet – December 4, 2023

² Cyclonic Storm “Michaung” National Bulletin No. 22 (BOB/06/2023) – RSMC New Delhi – 12:00 UTC on December 4, 2023

Featured image: Tropical Cyclone “Michaung” at 09:15 UTC on December 4, 2023. Credit: EUMETSAT, Zoom Earth, The Watchers