Chennai on orange alert as torrential rains flood city; IMD issues cyclone warning

Chennai has been placed under an orange alert on Wednesday as continuous heavy rain pummels the city, flooding major roads and disrupting normal life.

The alert, issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), signifies the likelihood of intense rainfall that could lead to significant waterlogging and localised flooding. With the northeast monsoon setting in early and a low-pressure system brewing over the Bay of Bengal, authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.

The IMD’s latest forecast also includes a cyclone warning for Tamil Nadu, adding to concerns as coastal districts brace for worsening conditions.

Chennai reels under heavy rainfall

Hours of relentless rain have paralysed the state capital, turning several neighbourhoods into waterlogged zones and slowing vehicular movement across the city.


The IMD has placed eight Tamil Nadu districts — Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, and Ramanathapuram — under a red alert, signalling extremely heavy rainfall. Chennai remains under orange alert, indicating the continued risk of severe showers.

Schools closed, offices functioning normally

As the downpour intensified, Chennai District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Zagade declared a holiday for schools and colleges on Wednesday. Offices, however, are expected to function as usual.

Nearby districts including Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Ranipet have also announced holidays for educational institutions, while Thoothukudi has closed only schools.

Meanwhile, the administrations of Puducherry and Karaikal have declared that schools and colleges will remain closed tomorrow due to the forecast of sustained heavy rain.

Low-pressure system over Bay of Bengal

Meteorologists attribute the ongoing deluge to a low-pressure zone hovering over the Bay of Bengal, approximately 400 kilometres off the Chennai coast. The system is likely to develop into a depression by noon, potentially impacting north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of south Andhra Pradesh.

The sea remains turbulent along Chennai’s Marina Beach, with strong winds and rough waves prompting officials to warn fishermen against venturing out. “There’s a high chance of the system intensifying further as it moves toward the coast,” said B. Amudha, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre, speaking to NDTV.

State authorities have placed emergency teams on standby and launched precautionary relief measures, urging citizens to stay indoors and follow weather advisories as the city braces for more rainfall in the coming days.