Chennai braces for more rain, IMD issues Yellow alert across Tamil Nadu
Chennai and several parts of Tamil Nadu continued to reel under heavy rainfall for the third consecutive day. Streets flooded, traffic slowed, and schools remained shut in many districts on Wednesday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rain on Thursday across Chennai, Thiruvallur, and nearby districts. It warned of thunderstorms and lightning in Kanyakumari, Thoothukkudi, Tenkasi, and Tirunelveli.
The weather office also issued a yellow alert for Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur, and Ranipet. It asked residents to stay alert for waterlogging, slippery roads, and power disruptions.
Rain Disrupts Normal Life
Continuous downpours drenched Chennai’s roads and low-lying neighborhoods. Commuters waded through knee-deep water as traffic crawled in several areas. The city’s civic body deployed extra pumps to clear flooded intersections.
Authorities declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai on Wednesday. Dharmapuri schools will stay closed on Thursday. The government said more districts could follow if heavy rain continues.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai confirmed that the northeast monsoon has intensified. It reported a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, off the Tamil Nadu coast. According to the latest update, the system may weaken within the next 24 hours.
Water Levels Rise in Reservoirs
The Water Resources Department monitored rising water levels across major reservoirs. Officials decided to release excess water from three reservoirs around Chennai as storage neared capacity. The Mettur Dam, Tamil Nadu’s largest, also reached full level after days of continuous inflow.
“Water levels are increasing rapidly due to nonstop rain,” said an official from the department. “We are releasing water in a controlled manner to avoid flooding downstream.”
State Government Steps In
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin reviewed the situation on Wednesday. He met senior officials to discuss safety measures and relief operations.
“The northeast monsoon is in full swing,” he said after the meeting. “It is raining continuously in Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu. The rain may pause briefly but will return in two days with greater intensity.”
He directed local bodies to remain on high alert and ensure quick drainage in flood-prone areas. Disaster response teams have moved to sensitive zones for emergency support.
Forecast for the Coming Days
The IMD expects more rainfall in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Thiruvallur, and southern districts like Kanyakumari, Thoothukkudi, Tenkasi, and Tirunelveli on Thursday. It also warned of thunderstorms and lightning in several coastal areas.
As heavy clouds linger, residents remain cautious. Many stocked essentials at home and avoided unnecessary travel. Authorities urged people living near water bodies to stay vigilant.
The state government continues to monitor the situation closely. With monsoon rains showing no sign of easing, Tamil Nadu braces for more wet days ahead.
