Cyclone Arnab: Huge Waves Flood Chennai’s Ennore Expressway, Traffic Halted

New Delhi, October 28, 2026 Powerful waves triggered by Cyclone Arnab surged onto the Ennore Expressway in north Chennai on the evening of October 27, disrupting traffic and sweeping away roadside stalls. The force of the seawater affected cars, autorickshaws and two-wheelers, with some smaller vehicles pushed by the rushing water. Following the incident, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) closed the affected stretch, while police diverted traffic to prevent accidents. Videos circulating on social media showed waves reaching the road and drenching passing vehicles. The Ennore Expressway connects Ennore with Kasimedu harbour and serves port-bound trucks as well as residents of Kasimedu, Tollgate, Thiruvottiyur and Ennore. According to the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), vehicles travelling from Ramakrishna Nagar to Annai Sivagami Nagar were diverted via Ernavur Bridge, Murugar Kovil Road and Kathivakkam Beach. Traffic from Thazhakuppam and Ennore was redirected through Kathivakkam Bridge and Murugar Kovil Road. The disruption came as Cyclone Arnab, classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, began crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast in the early hours of October 28. Several coastal settlements in north Chennai, including Bharathiyar Nagar, Burma Nagar, Nettukuppam, Thalankuppam, Indira Gandhi Kuppam, Periyakuppam and Chinnakuppam, experienced the impact of the rough sea. Seawater entered parts of Thalankuppam but receded before reaching nearby houses. Residents of Kasi Kovil Kuppam in Thiruvottiyur, however, reported seawater entering their homes. Thiruvottiyur MLA N. Senthil Kumar visited the affected area and said there was no need for the public to panic. Meanwhile, police personnel warned people against approaching the shoreline after some youths were seen climbing coastal rocks to take selfies and record videos. The Indian Coast Guard has been monitoring sea conditions for the past two days to ensure fishing boats return safely to shore. The sea has reached State 6 conditions, classified as very rough, with waves potentially measuring four to six metres (13–20 feet). Such conditions pose significant risks to small fishing boats, while larger vessels can also experience substantial rolling and pitching. Authorities are focusing on maritime safety as rough seas continue to affect the coastline. North Chennai’s coastal belt is relatively narrow, with some stretches measuring just 20–30 metres or less. Groynes have been constructed along parts of the shoreline to help withstand the impact of waves. The flooding of the Ennore Expressway and reports of seawater entering residential areas highlight the risks posed by severe coastal conditions, with traffic restrictions, safety warnings and Coast Guard monitoring remaining crucial to protecting residents and fishing communities.