Heavy rain forecast for TN; orange alert in Chennai, Theni
Chennai, Jan 10
The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for four districts of Tamil Nadu, warning of very heavy rainfall over the next two days as a deep low-pressure system continues to influence weather patterns over the region.
According to the IMD, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram are expected to receive intense rainfall on Saturday and the day after, with the possibility of waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and localised flooding, especially in low-lying and urban areas.
Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and follow official weather advisories.
The weather department said a deep depression currently prevailing over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining equatorial Indian Ocean is likely to cross the Sri Lankan coast between Trincomalee and Jaffna later in the day. This system is expected to significantly impact rainfall distribution across Tamil Nadu and parts of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
As a result, heavy rain is forecast in Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Cuddalore districts, as well as in Puducherry and Karaikal.
These coastal and delta districts are particularly vulnerable to intense downpours due to their proximity to the sea and river systems, raising concerns over temporary inundation and disruptions to normal life.
The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall in Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, and Ramanathapuram districts.
Meanwhile, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram are likely to continue experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall both on Saturday and day after, driven by moisture-laden easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal.
Meteorologists noted that although the intensity of rainfall may vary from place to place, light to moderate rain is likely to persist across several parts of Tamil Nadu until the 15th of this month.
While the extended wet spell could aid agriculture in some regions, it also poses risks of overflowing water bodies, poor visibility, and delays in road and rail transport.
State authorities have instructed district administrations to remain on high alert, ensure the readiness of disaster response teams, and closely monitor vulnerable locations, including riverbanks, reservoirs, and urban drainage systems.
The public has been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall and to stay updated through official IMD bulletins and local advisories.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good that IMD is giving advance warnings. Farmers in the delta districts like Thanjavur and Thiruvarur might actually benefit if the rain is spread out. Last year's deficit was tough. Fingers crossed for no waterlogging in the cities though.
Just moved to Chennai for work. An 'orange alert' sounds serious. Can any locals advise on what to actually prepare for? Should I stock up on essentials? The article says avoid travel, but for how long?
The real test is for the disaster response teams. Hope they are pre-positioned in vulnerable areas like Cuddalore and Nagapattinam. Memories of the 2015 floods are still fresh. Authorities, please don't wait for disaster to strike before acting.
Traffic in Chennai is going to be a nightmare. OMR and the usual spots will be jammed for hours. Better to work from home if possible. Stay safe everyone!
While the focus is on cities, let's not forget the rural and coastal communities. Their drainage is often worse. Hope the district administrations are paying equal attention there. The article mentions monitoring riverbanks, which is crucial.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.