'Heavy to very heavy rainfall' expected in coastal Tamil Nadu in next 24 hrs: MeT dept

The IMD had on Monday predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chennai and at least eight other coastal districts in Tamil Nadu.

By Vikas

Published: Tuesday, October 31, 2017, 14:13 [IST]

The Meteorological Department on Tuesday said that incessant rains in Tamil Nadu will continue for the next 2-3 days with the coastal region expected to witness "heavy to very heavy" rainfall in the next 24 hours.

The IMD on Monday predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chennai and at least eight other coastal districts in Tamil Nadu. Chennai and other coastal areas in Tamil Nadu started getting rainfall since Monday.

"About 16 places recorded very heavy rainfall and 21 places recorded heavy rainfall..Widespread rainfall expected over coastal region in 24 hrs, fairly widespread rain of moderate intensity over interior region," MeT department's S Balachandran told reporters on Tuesday.

He said that in the next 24 hours, north coastal region may get heavy rainfall while the south coastal region is expected to withness "very heavy rainfall".

Rain pummels Chennai

The rains have been caused by the cyclonic circulation which is currently prevailing over the Southwest Bay of Bengal off the Sri Lankan coast and the Tamil Nadu coast, Skymet Weather reported.

Heavy rains affect normal life

Within 24 hours on Monday, the Nungambakkam observatory recorded 20 mm rainfall in Chennai, added Skymet Weather. Papanasam in Tirunelveli district received 5 cm rainfall, while Mylaudy and Kuzhithirai areas in Kanyakumar districts received 5 cm and 4 cm rainfall respectively, PTI reported.

Rain fury wreaks havoc

On Monday evening, district administration in Chennai and Kancheepuram declared holiday for all schools and colleges on Tuesday.The city witnessed heavy traffic jams on its busy thoroughfares.

(Image courtesy - ANI/Twitter)