Large parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh remained on alert on Wednesday as the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah continued to trigger widespread rainfall, prompting multiple district administrations to shut schools and, in some places, colleges as well.

Tamil Nadu: Chennai, northern & western districts affected

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast heavy to very heavy rain over the western belt of Tamil Nadu — particularly Nilgiris, Erode and Coimbatore — as the weakened system, which downgraded from a deep depression into a low-pressure area near the coast, continued to feed moisture inland.

In Chennai, steady rain from early morning worsened waterlogging across arterial stretches, residential pockets and several low-lying neighbourhoods after two days of persistent downpour. Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram also reported intermittent rain through the day.

With flooded stretches and rain-hit school zones, authorities declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram on Wednesday. In Chengalpattu, only schools were closed, while colleges functioned normally.

In Ranipet district, schools in Arakkonam and Nemili taluks were given a holiday. Schools were also ordered shut in Cuddalore, Kallakurichi and Villupuram districts.

The IMD further warned of thunderstorms with lightning over Puducherry, Karaikal and several northern and western TN districts. Heavy rain is likely at isolated locations in Tiruppur, Theni, Dindigul, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Salem and Namakkal.

Disaster management teams have been placed on alert in vulnerable and hilly regions, and authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as the northeast monsoon remains active.

Andhra Pradesh: Multiple districts declare rain holiday

Southern and coastal parts of Andhra Pradesh also experienced heavy rain under the influence of the same system. District collectors in Tirupati, Nellore, Chittoor and Annamayya announced a rain holiday for all schools, including government, private, and aided institutions, citing safety concerns and flooding risks in low-lying areas.

Several mandals near the coast reported waterlogging and slowed vehicular movement as intermittent rain persisted through the morning.

Officials said further decisions on reopening schools would depend on updated IMD assessments and ground conditions.

Telangana: Rain recorded but no official closures

Despite light to moderate rain in parts of Telangana, no official school-closure orders were issued by district administrations as of Dec 3. Authorities stated they were monitoring weather updates closely.

With the weakened remnant of Cyclone Ditwah lingering along the coast, the IMD has advised the public in both Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to keep track of local weather advisories and to exercise caution in rain-affected areas.