The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy rain in Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi, and Tirunelveli. In addition, orange alerts are in effect for seven districts, including Chennai, Vellore, and Ranipet.
On October 17, the IMD reported that a depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to make landfall between Puducherry and Nellore, near Chennai, early in the morning. As a result, very heavy rainfall is likely in various parts of Tamil Nadu, South Andhra Pradesh, and heavy rain is also expected in Kerala and South Interior Karnataka.
The IMD has warned that areas like Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Chennai may experience heavy to extremely heavy rain. This heavy rainfall is caused by an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal.
In Chennai, waterlogging has been reported, with visuals showing people wading through knee-deep water as streets flooded with muddy water. Many roads have been affected by the rain.
Transportation services have also been impacted. Bus services in several areas were disrupted, and Southern Railway has cancelled four express trains, including the Chennai Central-Mysuru Kaveri Express, due to waterlogging. Additionally, several domestic flights were cancelled as not enough passengers showed up for their flights.
Stay safe and updated as the situation develops.
