Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cyclone alert for Tamil Nadu, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall over large parts of the state for the next two days, October 22–23. The alert comes as a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal intensifies, triggering widespread rain and raising the risk of localised flooding.
Several districts, including Chennai, have already been battered by heavy downpours since Monday, with Medavakkam recording nearly 100 mm of rainfall in a single day. The IMD expects rainfall to continue till October 24, driven by strong moisture inflow from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
🌧️ Red Alert for 8 Districts
The IMD has placed eight Tamil Nadu districts under a red alert, indicating extremely heavy rainfall ranging from 7 to 20 cm. The affected districts include:
- Chennai
- Cuddalore
- Puducherry (UT)
- Chengalpattu
- Mayiladuthurai
- Villupuram
- Tiruvannamalai
- Kallakurichi
Interior and western districts like Perambalur, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, and Erode are also expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall in the coming 48 hours.
The weather office has warned of thunderstorms with lightning and isolated spells of extremely heavy rain, which may cause waterlogging, flooding of low-lying areas, and potential disruption to transport and power supply.
🏫 Schools Closed, Relief Measures in Place
In view of the worsening conditions, schools across several districts, including Chennai, will remain closed on Wednesday, confirmed Chennai District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Jagade.
“The closure has been announced to ensure the safety of students amid persistent rain and waterlogging,” she said.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has directed district officials to initiate comprehensive flood preparedness measures, including setting up relief centres and ensuring the readiness of rescue teams.
🌊 Fishermen Warned, Coastal Activities Suspended
The Thoothukudi District Administration and the Fisheries Department have suspended all fishing operations following the cyclone alert. Fishermen who are already at sea have been asked to return immediately as strong winds and rough seas are expected.
According to IMD data, wind speeds may reach 55–60 km/h over the Lakshadweep, Comorin, and southern coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala till October 24.
The advisory also applies to parts of the Karnataka coast, where sea conditions are likely to remain unsafe.
🌧️ Persistent Rainfall Across Southern Tamil Nadu
Districts like Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, and Ramanathapuram have reported four consecutive days of rain, leading to waterlogging in several regions. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, forecasts continued heavy rainfall through October 25, with the Northeast Monsoon expected to remain vigorous over the state.
⚠️ What’s Driving the System
Meteorologists attribute the current wet spell to a deep depression forming over the Bay of Bengal, which is likely to move towards the Tamil Nadu coast. The strong interaction between monsoonal winds and the cyclonic circulation has intensified rainfall across the southern peninsula.
Summary:
Tamil Nadu is bracing for two more days of intense rainfall as a low-pressure system strengthens into a depression over the Bay of Bengal. With eight districts under red alert, schools closed, and fishing activities suspended, authorities are on high alert to tackle potential flooding and storm impacts. The IMD has urged residents to remain cautious as the Northeast Monsoon continues to surge.
Originally published on newsworldstime.com.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
