Cyclone Fengal is a tropical storm. The National Disaster Management Authority classifies cyclones broadly into two categories: extratropical cyclones and tropical cyclones.

Cyclone Fengal over the southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 13kmph during Saturday afternoon and was located at about 120km east-northeast of the union territory of Puducherry, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.

The name Fengal is rooted in cultural and linguistic significance. Though its precise origin is tied to Saudi Arabia, the country that named it, "Fengal" is believed to symbolise a strong wind or storm.

Landfalls can last for a few hours, with their exact duration depending on the speed of the winds and the size of the storm system.

Cyclone Fengal, moving at 7kmph, started to enter the coast on Saturday evening. It is expected to cross between Karaikal and Mamallapuram near Puduch

Cyclone Fengal approaches Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts, leading to airport closures, flight diversions, and public transport disruptions in Chennai.