The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cyclone alert warning for Tamil Nadu, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-20 cm) over large parts of the state through October 22-23. The state is currently facing intense and persistent rainfall as the Northeast Monsoon intensifies. Since October 21, Chennai has witnessed substantial rainfall, with areas like Medavakkam recording up to 100 mm in a day. 

It expects ”extremely heavy rainfall’’ at isolated locations. The IMD Department stated that the wet spell will continue across the southern peninsula till October 24, driven by strong moisture inflow from both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.

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Heavy downpours are expected in these areas

As per the MET Department, low-pressure area over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a deep depression. This may intensify rain and risk flooding in northern Tamil Nadu districts.  

Thunderstorms along with lightning are expected in Chennai, Cuddalore, Puducherry, Chengalpattu, Mayiladuthurai and Villupuram. Interior districts like Perambalur, Tiruvannamalai and Kallakurichi are also expected to experience heavy downpours. As per the advisory, rain activity would gradually extend its reach in parts of western Tamil Nadu, including Nigiris, Coimbatore and erode for the next two days.

State on high alert, schools shut and fishermen cautioned

In view of the forecast, schools across several districts, including Chennai, will remain shut on Wednesday, Chennai District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Jagade announced, as reported by the Indian Express. She stated that the measure was intended to ensure the safety of the students because of the continuous rainfall and waterlogging.

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  Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has also initiated comprehensive flood preparedness including relief centres and coordination with district officials. 

Meanwhile, the Thoothukudi District Administration, along with the Fisheries Department, has suspended all fishing operations following a cyclone alert. The warning has been issued because of the low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal. Fishermen who are already at sea have been instructed to return to the shore on an immediate basis.

The IMD has also cautioned of winds reaching 35-34 km/hr, intensifying further up to 55-60 km /hr over the Lakshaweep and Comorin areas, as per a report by ANI. Similarly, the weather wind pattern is likely to prevail in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka coasts and Kerala till October 24. Fishermen have been advised not to enter the sea during this period.

Several southern districts, including Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Ramanathapuram, have reported four consecutive days of showers, resulting in waterlogging in low-lying areas. The Regional Meteorological Centre expects the heavy rainfall to continue to take place through October 25.