Schools in Chennai and 10 other districts across Tamil Nadu are closed today (December 12) due to heavy rain forecasts, ANI reported. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, attributing the conditions to a “well-marked low-pressure area” over the southwest Bay of Bengal.
The affected districts include Chennai, Villupuram, Thanjavur, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Cuddalore, Dindigul, Ramanathapuram, Thiruvarur, Ranipet and Tiruvallur.
The IMD predicts light to moderate rainfall across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, with heavy to very heavy rains likely in districts like Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Pudukkottai. Isolated thunderstorms and lightning are also expected.
An “orange alert” has been issued for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe, while a “yellow alert” is in place for Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema and South Interior Karnataka.
The IMD’s bulletin detailed that a low-pressure area identified on December 9 has intensified into a well-marked system, likely to move west-northwest toward the Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka coasts in the next 24 hours.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and state emergency personnel have been deployed to mitigate risks. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea from December 11 to 13.
This year, Tamil Nadu has already seen significant rainfall disruptions. In November, similar weather conditions led to school closures in districts like Tiruvarur and Cuddalore.
Authorities urge residents to remain indoors and adhere to safety advisories.
