Cyclone Fengal-triggered heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds lashed northern Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry on Saturday.

Chennai Airport has temporarily shut its operations till 5 p.m. as heavy rains and gusty winds intensified ahead of Cyclone Fengal's expected landfall. The cyclone is predicted to cross between the Karaikal and Mahabalipuram coasts,

The cyclone has already caused gusty winds and rainfall across coastal areas. Chennai has been experiencing heavy to moderate rainfall since last night, resulting in rough seas and strong winds. Authorities have warned the public to stay away from beaches such as Marina Beach,

Several airlines issued travel advisories about their schedules amid heavy rain in the region due to storm set to make landfall near Tamil Nadu.

Cyclone Fengal is expected to cross the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts around the evening of November 30. Reports came that more than 20 flights have been cancelled by the Chennai Airport after the announcement by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The Chennai airport has been shut down, and all departure and arrival flights have been suspended from 12.30 p.m. to 7 p.m. due to adverse weather conditions prevailing in the city on Saturday, in view of the approaching cyclone Fengal.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh, with the cyclone likely to make landfall today evening

The airline issued a travel advisory on social media, urging passengers to check their flight status for updates.