Tamil Nadu Weather Alert: Chennai, Chengalpattu & 17 Districts To Get Heavy Rains On Friday

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued heavy rainfall warnings for Tamil Nadu, with 19 districts expected to experience intense showers on Friday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has alerted the public about a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, which is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm by the evening of November 27, 2024. At 11 am on November 27, the system was located approximately 110 km east of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, and 530 km south-southeast of Chennai, moving at a speed of 10 kmph in a north-northwest direction.

The IMD bulletin revealed that the depression would skirt the Sri Lankan coast before intensifying. By November 30, the system is expected to cross the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram as a deep depression, with wind speeds ranging from 50-70 kmph and potential gusts reaching 85 kmph.

Rainfall Alerts for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

For Thursday (November 28), yellow alerts have been issued for several districts, including Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Pudukkottai. These areas are expected to witness moderate to heavy rainfall.

On Friday, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ariyalur, and Thanjavur are under an orange alert, indicating heavier rainfall. Meanwhile, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram are on a yellow alert.

The situation is predicted to escalate on Saturday, with a red alert in place for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry. Neighboring districts such as Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Perambalur, Thanjavur, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam will experience intense rainfall under orange and yellow alerts.

The weather alerts indicate varying levels of rainfall and safety precautions: a Yellow Alert signifies moderate rainfall, urging people to be cautious in low-lying areas and carry essentials like umbrellas; an Orange Alert warns of heavy rainfall, advising individuals to stay indoors if possible, stock up on essentials, and prepare for potential disruptions; while a Red Alert indicates extremely heavy rainfall, with a strong recommendation to follow evacuation instructions, avoid travel, and prioritize safety.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable districts to remain cautious, especially in areas prone to flooding and waterlogging. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea, given the expected wind speeds and turbulent waters.