Cyclone Arnab causes high waves in North Chennai, Tiruvallur

The effect of Cyclone Arnab is seen in Ennore, north of Chennai, with a sea wave even as it heads towards North Andhra and Yanam. Photo: Special arrangement

Traffic on the Ennore Expressway and other coastal roads in north Chennai and Tiruvallur witnessed high waves hitting the land on Tuesday evening (October 27, 2026) due to Cyclone Arnab. Residents of Kasikoilkuppam, Ennore, Tiruvottiyur, Bharathi Nagar and Ramakrishna Nagar came out of their homes in panic when they saw the storm surge. Tiruvottiyur MLA N. Senthil Kumar, who visited the spot, said there was no need for the public to panic.

Mahalingam of Kasikoilkuppam said water entered their village. It’s a scary situation, he added. The National Highways Authority of India closed the highway to traffic after vehicles were swept away by the waves. Smaller vehicles were pushed due to the force of the waves. Some fishermen thought the waves might have been caused by a tsunami and wanted to see if there had been an earthquake.

Ennore: A massive wave hits the road, affecting passengers and shops

Ennore: Massive wave hits road, hits commuters and shops | Video Credit: The Hindu

The Ennore traffic police diverted vehicles along two routes. Vehicles from Ramakrishna Nagar to Annai Sivagami Nagar are 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, Collector S. Kavitha urged the police, fire department and finance department to ensure the safety of residents living along the coast. The regional meteorological center here warned of rough seas due to the cyclone. Seas are expected to calm by midday on Wednesday (October 28, 2026).

Published – 27 Oct 2026 23:07 IST