8 Tamil Nadu districts to face heavy rain today: IMD urges residents to stay safe
Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall across eight districts in southern Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, as a strengthening low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal continues to influence weather patterns.
The districts under alert are Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi and Theni, and the IMD has cautioned residents to remain alert.
This rainfall is linked to a low-pressure system that developed over the southwest Bay of Bengal on Saturday and has since been moving northwest. Furthermore, the IMD predicts the formation of another low-pressure system over the southeast Bay of Bengal on November 22. This system is expected to travel west-northwestward and strengthen within 48 hours, potentially increasing rainfall across Tamil Nadu in the coming days.
Chennai is expected to witness moderate rainfall on Tuesday as moisture continues to move inland from the Bay of Bengal.
Meanwhile, coastal regions in southern Tamil Nadu, along with the Gulf of Mannar and the Kumari Sea, have been placed under a marine warning. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, with strong winds of up to 55 kmph expected to whip across these waters.
Widespread rainfall was recorded across Tamil Nadu on Monday, particularly in the southern belt. With the heavy rain warning now extended, district administrations are reviewing the need to close schools and colleges.
District Collectors will make final decisions based on local conditions and the severity of the rainfall. The Union Territory of Puducherry responded early to the weather alerts, declaring a holiday for all government, government-aided and private schools and colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal for the day (November 18). Education Minister A. Namassivayam announced the decision late on Monday.
In Tamil Nadu, the Cuddalore district has declared a holiday for schools due to persistent rain, as announced by District Collector C.P. Aditya Senthilkumar.
Other districts are expected to issue similar orders depending on rainfall intensity and safety concerns.
With another low-pressure system on the horizon and rain forecast to continue into next week, authorities have urged residents across Tamil Nadu -- especially in the eight high-alert districts -- to stay updated on official advisories and take necessary precautions.
IANS