Heavy rain alert for South Tamil Nadu; fishermen warned against venturing out to sea

Chennai: The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has issued a heavy rain warning for several southern districts of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, cautioning that strong thunderstorms and intense showers are likely as a weather system gathers strength over the Bay of Bengal.

Forecasters said a developing low-pressure area in the region could bring unstable conditions to parts of South Tamil Nadu, prompting officials to urge fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea.

Strengthening system over Bay of Bengal

Meteorologists said the disturbance first took shape on Saturday over the equatorial Indian Ocean and the adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. The system is expected to track west-northwest and consolidate into a well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and nearby equatorial waters.

Under its influence, scattered moderate rainfall is forecast for pockets of southern and northern Tamil Nadu, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal.

Heavy rain likely in four southern districts

The weather office has warned that Theni, Dindigul, Madurai and Virudhunagar are at risk of heavy downpours and thunderstorms on Sunday, with residents advised to stay alert in areas known to flood during intense spells.

Light rainfall is expected at isolated locations across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry from 23 to 25 February. For Chennai and Puducherry on Sunday (22 February), forecasters expect partly cloudy skies with no significant rain activity within urban limits.

Sea conditions unsafe; fishermen warned

Authorities have issued a firm advisory to fishing communities as rough conditions are predicted along the southern coast. Wind speeds may reach 60 kmph over the Gulf of Mannar, the south Tamil Nadu coast, the Comorin Sea, and parts of the Bay of Bengal on Sunday.

Fishermen have been asked to stay ashore until conditions stabilise, with the Regional Meteorological Centre flagging the risk posed by strong winds and choppy seas.

Officials monitoring; response teams on alert

District administrations in the south have been instructed to monitor vulnerable areas, particularly low-lying zones susceptible to waterlogging. Disaster response teams are expected to remain on standby as the system evolves over the next 24 to 48 hours.

The meteorological department said it will continue issuing updated forecasts and warnings as the weather system progresses. (IANS)