According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Depression in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm on Wednesday. When it forms, it is likely to be named Cyclone Mandous, as suggested by the UAE. By December 8, the cyclone is expected to reach the southwest Bay of Bengal, off the coasts of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh. During the next 48 hours, it will continue to move west-northwestward.
The IMD has issued a ‘orange’ alert for 13 districts in Tamil Nadu on Thursday, and 12 districts on Friday, due to the weather system. On December 8, Tiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam received a severe rain alert. On December 9, Tiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, and Salem districts received an orange alert.
The Tamil Nadu government has stated that the state emergency control centre and district emergency control centres will be operational around the clock, and that relief camps will be established throughout the state. According to an official statement, the National Disaster Response Force has made five teams available for Tamil Nadu and three teams for Puducherry. Teams are also being kept on standby for Andhra Pradesh, and will be activated as soon as the state government requests them, according to the statement. Army and navy rescue and relief teams, as well as ships and aircraft, have been kept on standby. The coast guard has vessels on standby as well. The NCMC, led by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, reviewed the preparedness of central ministries, agencies, and state and union territory governments for a possible cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday, according to a statement.