Cyclone Arnab causes high waves in north Chennai, Tiruvallur

The effect of Cyclone Arnab is seen at Ennore, north of Chennai, with the sea surge from Cyclone Arnab even as it heads towards North Andhra and Yanam.

Traffic on Ennore Expressway and other coastal roads in north Chennai and Tiruvallur district witnessed high waves lashing onto the land as a result of cyclone Arnab on Tuesday evening (October 27, 2026). Residents of Kasikoilkuppam, Ennore, Tiruvottiyur, Bharathi Nagar and Ramakrishna Nagar came out of their homes in panic, seeing the storm surge. Tiruvottiyur MLA N. Senthil Kumar, who visited the spot, said that there was no need for the public to panic.

Mahalingam of Kasikoilkuppam said that water had entered their village. It is a scary situation, he added. The National Highways Authority of India closed the expressway to traffic after vehicles were drenched in the waves. Smaller vehicles were pushed due to the force of the waves. Some fishermen thought the waves could be a due to a tsunami and wanted to find if there was any earthquake.

Ennore traffic police have diverted vehicles along two routes. Vehicles from Ramakrishna Nagar to Annai Sivagami Nagar are being diverted via Ernavur Bridge, Murugar Kovil Road and Kathivakkam Beach. Vehicles from Thazhakuppam and Ennore are being diverted via Kathivakkam Bridge and Murugar Kovil road, police said.

In Tiruvallur district, the Collector S. Kavitha has pressed the police, fire services and the revenue department to ensure the safety of the public living along the coast. The Regional Meteorological Centre here had warned of rough seas due to the cyclone. The sea is expected to calm down by noon on Wednesday (October 28, 2026).