Tamil Nadu is witnessing heavy rains due to the formation of a low pressure area in the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for several districts of the state, predicting heavy rains.
On 17 November, an orange alert was declared for several districts in view of continuous rainfall through Sunday night, which caused waterlogging in several low-lying areas. Traffic was disrupted as streets and roads were flooded. District Collectors announced the closure of all government, private and aided schools in Chennai and adjoining districts on Monday. The announcement of the closure of the school came after the IMD issued a weather alert on the evening of November 16.
However, the official announcement of the closure of schools on November 18 has not yet been released. This means schools will reopen on Tuesday and classes will continue as normal.
In a post on X, the Meteorological Department said: “IMD Weather Alert! Light to moderate rain/thunderstorms expected over many areas with isolated heavy rainfall over: Tamil Nadu (Nov 18-23, very heavy on Nov 17) Kerala and Mahe (Nov 17-20, 22-23) Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam 17. Nicobar Islands (November 19-22, very difficult November 20-22)”
A total of 12 districts are on yellow alert today, including Ariyalur, Chengalpattu, Chennai, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Ķanniyakumari, Karu Ranipet, Thanjavur, Thiruvallur, Thire Tirunelveli, Tiruvannamalai and Viluppuram.
The IMD in its latest press release said, “Light to moderate rainfall/thunderstorms at most/many places with isolated heavy rainfall very likely over Tamil Nadu during 18-23. In addition, Tamil Nadu will witness thunderstorms and lightning till November 21.”
Isolated heavy rainfall is also likely over Kerala by November 20 and November 22 and 23, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema on November 18 and Andaman and Nicobar Islands on November 19.
The weather agency added: “Thunderstorms very likely…. over Kerala and Mahe during 17/19; over coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam and Rayalaseema on 17/18; over Andaman & Nicobar Islands on 18. According to the weather agency, a depression is expected to form over southeast Bay of Bengal around 22 November.
