On December 1, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the disturbance had developed into a depression in the South Andaman Sea, and was expected to move towards the northwest while strengthening in the Bay of Bengal.

On December 4, cyclone Michaung reached peak intensity as it approached the coast of Tamil Nadu with winds of 110 kilometres per hour (68 mph), equivalent to a high-end tropical storm on the Saffir–Simpson scale.

Coastal surface observations from various locations on the coast indicated a maximum wind speed of 60 knots (110 km/h; 69 mph) and a minimum sea level pressure of 988 hectopascals (29.2 inHg).

[19] Rivers including Cooum and major lakes overflowed in Chennai causing further water logging in the low-lying areas along the banks.

[27] Several businesses and industries in Chennai were impacted adversely as operations were ceased due to power shortages, flooding and damage to equipment.

[31][32][33] Greater Chennai Corporation pressed more workers for flood recovery and aiding stranded people while citing staff crunch for delays in clearing fallen trees and garbage.

[34][35] Volunteers engaged in distributing food packets, milk, water bottles and rescuing stranded people through boats in the inundated areas.

[51] Member of Parliament Kanimozhi stated on December 5 that the government of Tamil Nadu have taken proactive measures to address the impact of the cyclone with the establishment of over 400 shelters for the affected population, pumping of stagnant water and restoration of electricity.

[52] On December 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and prayed for those injured or affected.

[54] Opposition MPs appealed to the Central government to extend its full assistance to Tamil Nadu in managing the repercussions of the cyclone.

[61] On December 8, representatives of various micro, small and medium enterprises sought time to repay loans and electricity charges due to flood related losses and damages.

[67][68] Prominent people including Ravichandran Ashwin, Jwala Gutta and Srinath Narayanan came out and shared their difficult experience.

[69] On December 7, leader of the opposition K. Palaniswami demanded the chief minister of Tamil Nadu to release a white paper on the completed and ongoing stormwater drain work in Chennai.

[71] Tamil Nadu state president of BJP, Annamalai expressed his displeasure on the flooding and demanded the relief to be increased to ₹10,000 (US$120).