Chennai weather update: IMD issues warning of heavy rains

Over the last 24 hours, many places in Tamil Nadu, including the capital city Chennai, experienced substantial rainfall, and the meteorological department anticipates further showers. Due to inclement weather, the state government has declared school closures in several regions. Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram districts are expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas. Additionally, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli districts of Tamil Nadu, and the Puducherry area may encounter heavy rain in isolated pockets, the India Meteorological Department said.

According to the weather department, a trough in easterlies runs from south Sri Lanka to North Coastal Tamil Nadu in the lower tropospheric levels. Under its influence, light to moderate rainfall occurred at many places over Tamil Nadu with heavy to very heavy rain at a few places over North Coastal Tamil Nadu.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rain is also likely at isolated places over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Vellore, Kallakurichi, Thanjavur, Thoothukudi, Virudunagar, ghat areas of Tirunelveli districts.


It has also forecast heavy rainfall over in isolated places over Chengalpattu, Villlupuram, Thiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur districts of Tamil Nadu and over Puducherry and Karaikal areas.

Rains on Sunday led to traffic disruptions and extensive road congestions in parts of the Chennai district. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has predicted ongoing rainfall across various districts in Tamil Nadu in the coming days.

Due to continuous rain, the district administration has closed schools and colleges in Nagapattinam, Kilvelur Taluk, Viluppuram, Cuddalore, Ranipet, Vellore and Tiruvannamalai and Kallakurichi, news agency ANI reported.

Notably, heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats on Saturday resulted in a flash flood at the Old Courtallam Falls in Tamil Nadu's Tenkasi district. In response to this, authorities have prohibited tourists from bathing near the waterbodies adjacent to the popular Old Courtallam Falls.

This year has witnessed unprecedented rainfall in Tamil Nadu. Initially, Cyclone Michaung brought substantial rains to Chennai and neighboring districts, causing widespread destruction. More recently, the southern districts of Tamil Nadu experienced heavy downpours, leading to significant losses in both public and private property, amounting to crores.