Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for four northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu — Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet — as Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal. The warning indicates the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across the region.

According to the latest IMD bulletin, the system, which formed from a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal, is expected to strengthen further and move northwestward within the next 24 hours. Under its influence, weather conditions across the northern coastal belt, particularly around Chennai, are likely to deteriorate.

"An orange alert has been issued for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet districts, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall at isolated places," the IMD said. The department also forecast moderate to heavy rain with thunder and lightning in several parts of Chennai and its suburbs, including localised intense downpours.

For Tuesday, the IMD has placed Tiruvallur under an orange alert and issued a yellow alert for Ranipet, Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu districts, indicating the possibility of continued widespread rainfall activity.

Residents in low-lying areas have been urged to stay alert, while fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea due to rough conditions along the Tamil Nadu and south Andhra coasts.

The IMD said skies over Chennai and nearby areas would remain generally cloudy with intermittent rain and thundershowers. Maximum temperatures are likely to hover around 31°C, with the minimum near 25°C.

City authorities have ramped up precautionary measures, with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) deploying motor pumps in flood-prone zones and the Public Works Department (PWD) instructed to monitor water discharge in major reservoirs and waterways.

With the northeast monsoon gaining momentum, officials have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to report waterlogging incidents via designated helplines.

IANS