IMD Tracks Cyclone Senyar: 70–90 kmph Winds, Rain Alerts Issued For Andaman & South India

A deep depression over the Strait of Malacca, the critical waterway linking the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, has strengthened into Cyclonic Storm 'Senyar', the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed on Wednesday. The system is projected to make landfall along the Indonesia coast this afternoon, even as another developing weather system over the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area, raising the likelihood of further weather disturbances.

According to the IMD, the deep depression moved westwards over the past six hours at a speed of 10 kmph, eventually intensifying into Cyclone Senyar. As of 0530 hours IST on November 26, 2025, it was positioned over the Strait of Malacca and adjoining Northeast Indonesia. The region-linking the Andaman Sea in the northeastern Indian Ocean with the South China Sea in the western Pacific-frequently experiences rapid cyclogenesis due to warm ocean temperatures and favourable wind patterns.

Cyclone Senyar: Current Forecast

IMD's latest bulletin states that the depression has now strengthened into a cyclonic storm and is likely to maintain its intensity for the next 24 hours. The storm is expected to continue its westward movement and cross the Indonesia coast on Wednesday (November 26).

After landfall, the system is forecast to shift west-southwestwards initially before recurving eastwards over the following 48 hours. IMD also warned of gusty winds between 70 kmph and 90 kmph throughout Wednesday, which could pose risks to marine operations, coastal regions, and local infrastructure.

The national bulletin issued on November 26 highlights that Nicobar Islands will receive light to moderate rainfall at most locations, with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated pockets on November 26 and 27. Rainfall intensity is expected to reduce gradually from November 28 to November 29.

Developing Low-Pressure System Over Bay of Bengal

Simultaneously, the IMD confirmed that a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal, along with adjoining areas of south Sri Lanka and the Equatorial Indian Ocean, has strengthened into a well-marked low-pressure area.

The system is expected to move north-northwestwards and intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours. This developing system is likely to bring widespread rainfall to parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.

Heavy rains have already affected multiple districts in Tamil Nadu, with several residential neighbourhoods in Tuticorin district experiencing waterlogging and disruptions to daily activities.

IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in parts of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday and Thursday, anticipating that the system may eventually intensify into a cyclonic storm. Between November 26 and November 29, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are very likely over Tamil Nadu, while Kerala and Mahe are also expected to see thunderstorms with lightning on November 26 and 27.

Schools and Colleges Status in Tamil Nadu

Due to severe weather and waterlogging across many regions, schools and colleges in several parts of Tamil Nadu were closed on Tuesday as a precaution. Authorities, however, have not yet issued an official update on whether educational institutions will remain closed on Wednesday. An announcement is expected shortly based on evolving weather conditions.