Chennai rains: City braces for heavy downpour, orange alert in 4 TN districts as cyclone Montha intensifies

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Following the formation of Cyclone Montha over the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued an orange alert for four northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu.

According to a report by DD News, the weather department has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet.

As per the report, the system, which developed from a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify further and move north-westward over the next 24 hours.

Under its influence, weather conditions are expected to worsen across Tamil Nadu’s northern coastal belt, especially in and around the Chennai region.

“An orange alert has been issued for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet districts, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall at isolated places,” the IMD was quoted by the news channel as saying.

The weather department also noted that moderate to heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning could occur in several parts of the city and suburbs today, with localised intense downpours in some areas.

 IMD issues orange alert for yiruvallur, yellow for Chennai and nearby districts

For Tuesday, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Tiruvallur district and a yellow alert for Ranipet, Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu, indicating the likelihood of continued widespread rainfall.

Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious, and the fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea along the Tamil Nadu and south Andhra coasts.

The weather office said Chennai and nearby areas are likely to experience generally cloudy skies with occasional rain and thundershowers. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 31°C, while the minimum may stay near 25°C. City authorities have intensified precautionary measures in view of the anticipated heavy rainfall.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has deployed motor pumps in flood-prone areas, while the Public Works Department (PWD) has been directed to closely monitor water discharge from major reservoirs and waterways.

As the northeast monsoon intensifies, officials have advised residents to avoid non-essential travel and report instances of waterlogging through designated helplines.