Weather Alert: Heavy Rains In Tamil Nadu, Puducherry For The Next 3 Hours; Schools Shut In Chennai

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday has issued a thunderstorm alert for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, spanning the next three hours due to ongoing rainfall in the area. As per forecasts, moderate thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and moderate rain are expected in specific areas across Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpatti districts in Tamil Nadu. A holiday has also been declared in all schools in Chennai, news agency ANI reported, citing the district collector.

Additionally, the IMD predicts a probability of light thunderstorms and lightning, along with light to moderate rain, in isolated spots across districts such as Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayuladuthurai, and others.

The IMD cautioned that due to the heavy rainfall, isolated areas in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal might experience waterlogging, slippery roads, and minor damage to weaker structures. The Met Department also predicted potential disruptions to traffic flow in certain regions.

According to the IMD bulletin, a trough of easterlies extending from the Maldives to the north coast of Maharashtra at lower atmospheric levels has triggered the weather forecast for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep.

With incessant rainfall affecting the state, Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister K Rajan led a meeting on Thursday to address the situation. He mentioned that no rain-related accidents have been reported and assured special provisions for the smooth travel of Sabarimala pilgrims.

There's a possibility of a cyclonic circulation developing in the South Andaman Sea and nearby regions by today. This circulation might lead to the formation of a low-pressure area around November 26 within the South Andaman Sea vicinity. Forecasts suggest its probable movement towards the west-northwest direction, potentially strengthening into a depression over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea by approximately November 27.