Chennai and several other districts across Tamil Nadu are on high alert as the northeast monsoon intensifies, bringing predictions of heavy to very heavy rainfall from October 18 to October 24. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple warnings, including a red alert for Chennai on Sunday, October 18, forecasting extremely heavy downpours exceeding 20 cm in some areas. Orange alerts have also been issued for surrounding districts and western regions, indicating very heavy rainfall predictions.
Intense Rainfall Forecast Across State
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai reported that rainfall had occurred across most parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal in the preceding 24 hours. While an upper-air cyclonic circulation over north Tamil Nadu and adjoining south coastal Andhra Pradesh has become less marked, its influence is still contributing to the active monsoon spell. Heavy rains have already lashed Chennai and neighbouring districts such as Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur, marking a significant early spell of the northeast monsoon.
According to weather reports, Parry’s Corner in Chennai recorded the highest rainfall of 36 cm in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Sunday. Kathivakkam, also near Chennai, received 34 cm during the same period. Similar rainfall amounts were reported in other parts of North Chennai, including Ennore Port which recorded 222.5 mm in the 24 hours ending at 5:30 am on Sunday. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) stated that despite substantial rainfall, proactive field operations and round-the-clock rescue efforts ensured that major thoroughfares and subways were cleared of waterlogging with no major casualties reported. However, some residential streets remained flooded due to clogged canals and incomplete drainage work.
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal from October 18 to 21. This is expected to be followed by isolated heavy rainfall from October 22 to October 24. The department also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph, during this period. The current spell of rain is anticipated to continue until October 24.
District-wise Warnings and Preparations
Beyond Chennai, districts such as Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur are experiencing significant rainfall. Western districts including Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and Theni have also received orange alerts. The RMC has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places in Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, and Theni on Sunday night. Additionally, heavy rainfall is forecast for Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai districts.
The intensity of rainfall is expected to reduce after October 25, but until then, the state government has been actively preparing. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has directed senior ministers, lawmakers, and officials to oversee relief and rehabilitation efforts. The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) has issued mobile alerts to citizens, urging them to stay cautious and follow official weather reports. More than 15,000 sanitation and civic workers have been deployed across Chennai to manage the situation, with authorities closely monitoring water levels in the city’s reservoirs. The combined storage of Chennai’s five principal drinking water reservoirs saw an increase of 237 million cubic feet over two days due to the downpour.
The meteorological department attributed the heavy rainfall to the presence of a cyclonic circulation over northern Tamil Nadu and adjoining southern coastal Andhra Pradesh, coupled with significant convective cloud development. While a red alert for Chennai was downgraded to a yellow alert due to a weakening cyclonic circulation over the West-Central Bay of Bengal, the risk of heavy to very heavy rainfall persists in Chennai, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, and the Nilgiris districts on Monday. On October 20, isolated very heavy spells are likely in Theni, Tirunelveli, and Madurai, with widespread areas of the state remaining under a heavy-rain warning.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
