Tamil Nadu weather: Red alert for 3 districts, fishing ban until October 29
Chennai: Fishermen in Tamil Nadu have been barred from venturing into the sea until October 29 as a weather system over the Bay of Bengal threatens to intensify into a cyclonic storm. Meanwhile, a red alert has been issued for Theni, Dindigul and Madurai, where extremely heavy rainfall is forecast on Sunday.
The warning comes as the northeast monsoon remains active across the state, with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds expected in several districts.
Red alert for Theni, Dindigul and Madurai
The Regional Meteorological Centre has warned that isolated locations in Theni, Dindigul and Madurai could receive extremely heavy rainfall, potentially exceeding 20 cm.
An orange alert has also been issued for several districts, including Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Tiruchi, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris, as well as Karaikal. These areas are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rain.
The Nilgiris has already recorded intense rainfall. Burliar received 25 cm of rain in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Saturday, while Lower Kotagiri Estate recorded 20 cm and Coonoor 17 cm.
Bay of Bengal system raises cyclone concern
The weather department has reported that a depression formed over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on Saturday. The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a deep depression on Sunday, with the possibility of developing into a cyclonic storm by Monday morning.
It is forecast to move towards the west-central Bay of Bengal off the Andhra Pradesh coast by the morning of October 28. The current forecast does not specify a landfall location or time.
When will the rain ease?
Rainfall is expected to ease across much of Tamil Nadu from October 27. However, isolated showers may continue in parts of the southern districts, with light to moderate rain possible in southern coastal areas on October 28 and 29.
The fishing restriction remains in force until October 29 amid the evolving weather system and forecast of rough conditions.
With IANS inputs