A deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified and is heading towards the northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and southern Andhra Pradesh coasts within the next 24 hours, as per the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai. It started as a low-pressure area, gradually strengthened into a deep depression, bringing heavy downpours and thunderstorms to coastal regions.
IMD issues red alert for Tiruvallur
The IMD has issued a red alert for Tiruvallur. Schools have also been closed for Dharampuri, the announcement for the same has been made by the collector, as reported by the Indian Express.
As per an IANS report, Metrologists had earlier anticipated that it might intensify into a cyclone, but its proximity to land disrupted further development. As it edges near the coast, the rainfall zone has expanded, covering a large portion of Tamil Nadu and the nearby areas. The RMC predicts widespread moderate to heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning across Tamil Nadu, Karaikal, and Puducherry in the next few days. Isolated heavy showers are expected in Chennai, Ranipet, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu.
As of Thursday morning, steady to intense rain was reported across parts of Chennai and its suburbs, affecting morning traffic and resulting in minor waterlogging in low-lying areas.
The government set up a review meeting
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light to moderate showers accompanied with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places over Kanyakumari, Turunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukkudi districts. Light downpours are expected in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu.
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, after conducting a review meeting at DK headquarters in Chennai, mentioned that the northeast monsoon is in full swing. Continuous rainfall is reported in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur. ‘’It will not stop today, and the MET Department has stated that it may intensify again in two days,’’ Stalin said to ANI.
IMD heavy rainfall prediction for Southern India
As per the Weather Department extended forecast, light to moderate rainfall along with isolated heavy spells is predicted over Tamil Nadu from October 23 to 24 and again during October 26 to 28. Rainfall is also forecast across Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Mahe, Rayalaseema and south Interior Karnataka for the same period.
The IMD has cautioned of thunderstorms and lightning across southern peninsular India for the next five days. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the rough seas.