Tamil Nadu Weather: 'Possible' Cyclone Warning Issued, Schools Closed in 17 Districts

Heavy rainfall in Chennai has brought the city to a standstill, leading to flooding, waterlogged streets, and prompting authorities to shut down schools today. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has issued a cyclone alert and heavy rainfall warnings for several districts as the Northeast Monsoon intensifies across Tamil Nadu. In response, the state government has declared school and college holidays in multiple regions as a precautionary measure.

RMC Director B Amudha stated that a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has strengthened into a well-marked low-pressure system, located approximately 400 km from Chennai. She added, "By noon tomorrow, the system may intensify into a depression off the coasts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh."

While the system could strengthen up to a deep depression, Amudha noted that its development into a cyclone or storm can only be confirmed once it reaches the depression stage.

Schools and Colleges Closed in 17 Districts

The Chennai district administration announced the closure of all schools on Wednesday due to persistent heavy rain. Similar directives were issued in Cuddalore, Villupuram, Ranipet, Chengalpattu, and Tiruchirappalli, where both schools and colleges will remain closed. In Thoothukudi, only schools will be closed, while Salem and Pudukottai have declared school holidays.

A holiday has been declared for schools in Chennai, Chengalpet, Tiruvallur, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Mayiladuthurai today due to heavy rain.

Puducherry and Karaikal administrations also announced the closure of educational institutions in view of the ongoing rainfall.

IMD Confirms Deep Depression over Bay of Bengal

The IMD confirmed that the low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify further:

A deep depression is currently prevailing over the region

It is expected to move west-northwestwards toward north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts in the next 24 hours

An atmospheric circulation over the south Andaman Sea may contribute to continued instability

IMD Issues Red Alert for 8 Districts

The IMD has issued a red alert for the following districts due to the likelihood of very heavy rainfall:

1. Villupuram
2. Chengalpattu
3. Cuddalore
4. Mayiladuthurai
5. Nagapattinam
6. Tiruvallur
7. Thanjavur
8. Pudukottai

Meanwhile, heavy to very heavy rain is expected in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, and Puducherry. Other districts, including Tiruchirappalli, Vellore, Tirupattur, Dharmapuri, and Pudukkottai, may also receive significant rainfall.

Tamil Nadu Weather Forecast: October 23-24, 2025

October 23:

North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal: Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning at many places

Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Ranipet: Heavy to very heavy rainfall

Vellore, Tirupattur, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore: Heavy rain at isolated places

October 24:

Light to moderate rain expected across Tamil Nadu

Heavy rain likely in Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Erode, Nilgiris, and Coimbatore districts

Chennai Weather Forecast:

Maximum Temperature: ~28°C

Minimum Temperature: 24-25°C

Condition: Generally cloudy with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected

Cyclone Warning for Fishermen

The IMD has advised fishermen to stay ashore due to strong winds:

Oct 22-23, 2025: Wind speeds of 45-55 kmph, occasionally reaching 65 kmph, along North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh coasts

Winds of 35-55 kmph expected along South Tamil Nadu, Gulf of Mannar, and Kumarikadal

Government Prepares for Emergency Response

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reviewed the preparedness of government machinery, instructing officials to respond swiftly to public grievances and ensure uninterrupted rice procurement. District collectors have been directed to keep relief camps ready with arrangements for food, drinking water, and medicines.

He also advised teams to remain on standby with JCB machines, boats, motor pumps, trucks, and saws to manage emergencies during the ongoing heavy rainfall.