Heavy Rains Lash Tamil Nadu; Schools Shut In 6 Districts Including Chennai

Several districts of Tamil Nadu woke up to heavy rain and thunderstorms on Monday, bringing a much-needed respite from the heat this summer.

In view of the heavy rains authorities declared a holiday for schools in Chennai and its neighbouring districts of Chengalpet, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, besides Vellore and Ranipet.

According to Pradeep John, popularly known as the Tamil Nadu Weatherman, rains will continue to lash Chennai for another two hours. Kanchi, vellore, ranipet, chengalpet will also continue to get rains.

He also pointed out that heavy rains in Chennai is a rare phenomenon in June. This is only the 3rd time schools are closed in June for rains.

1991, 1996 and now 2023. The years when 150 mm were recorded in KTC in the last 200 years. No other years we have got such rains.

June heavy rains are very very very rare. Only 3rd time Schools are close in June for rains.

1996 will be always special and never to be broken. pic.twitter.com/3psdCIq1wR

— Tamil Nadu Weatherman (@praddy06) June 19, 2023

Due to a heavy rain spell, 10 flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, London, Sharjah, and Singapore.

Similarly, 12 international and domestic flights from Chennai travelling to 12 destinations, including Delhi, Andaman, Frankfurt, Dubai, London, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, etc. also departed late from the airport.

According to the India Meteorological Department, Meenambakkam recorded 137.6 mm rainfall from 8.30am on Sunday to 5.30am on Monday.

In its latest update, the IMD has predicted heavy rainfall in 13 districts, including Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Thiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Trichy, Ariyalur, Perambalur, as well as in the Puducherry and Karaikal regions.

The weather department also said there is a possibility of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in certain areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal till Thursday.