Chennai: Cyclonic storm Montha, which developed over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast later on Tuesday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Although Tamil Nadu will not face the full impact of the cyclone, several northern districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu, have been experiencing heavy rain, prompting safety advisories and temporary closures.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, said Montha would primarily affect coastal Andhra Pradesh, but its outer bands have brought persistent rainfall to northern Tamil Nadu since Monday.

The IMD has placed Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Ranipet under an orange alert, forecasting heavy to very heavy rain at isolated locations, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching up to 60 kmph.

As a precaution, the Chennai District Collector has declared a one-day holiday for all government and private schools on Tuesday. Tiruvallur district has followed suit due to continuous rainfall and waterlogging in several low-lying areas.

Parts of Chennai, including Teynampet, Velachery, Anna Nagar and Perungudi, reported water stagnation after overnight showers. Civic teams from the Greater Chennai Corporation have been deployed to operate pumps, clear drains, and prevent flooding.

Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea due to rough conditions and strong coastal winds. Authorities have also urged residents in coastal and low-lying regions to remain indoors and refrain from unnecessary travel.

“People should stay alert to official weather updates and avoid beaches, riverbanks and open drains during rainfall,” an IMD official said.

The RMC expects rainfall intensity to gradually reduce by Wednesday as Montha moves inland after making landfall between Kakinada and Machilipatnam. Emergency control rooms have been activated across coastal districts to monitor developments and coordinate relief measures.

IANS