Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert in seven Tamil Nadu districts including Chennai, Vellore and Ranipet. A yellow alert has been issued in parts of the state on Thursday, October 17.
A depression over Bay of Bengal is likely to cross North Tamil Nadu-South Andhra Pradesh coasts between Puducherry and Nellore, close to Chennai during early morning of October 17, the India Meteorological Department said in its latest update.
In the wake of this storm, isolated very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely to lash parts of Tamil Nadu, South Andhra Pradesh and very heavy rainfall over Kerala & South Interior Karnataka today, October 16, the weather department said.
The IMD said that on October 16, “heavy to very heavy rain with extremely heavy rain at one or two places is likely to occur over Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai districts.”
The IMD said heavy rainfall may hit Tamil Nadu due to an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal. Waterlogging was reported in several parts of the state, including Chennai. Visuals showed people wading through knee-deep waters in Chennai as several parts of the city reeled under a flood due to rainfall. Streets and roads were flooded with muddy water following heavy rainfall.
Bus services were affected in several areas. Meanwhile, Southern Railway announced cancellation of four express trains, including the Chennai Central-Mysuru Kaveri Express, due to waterlogging. Several domestic flights were cancelled as sufficient number of passengers did not turn up to avail services.
As per IMD, heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Tirupattur, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Chennai districts and Puducherry.
Moreover, Heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Kallakurichi and Cuddalore districts
Rains ceased on Wednesday in most parts of northern Tamil Nadu including Chennai, bringing respite to people, while Chief Minister M K Stalin said water stagnation has been cleared in most places. Stalin announced that on October 16 and 17, food is being served free of cost in Amma canteens in Chennai to support poor and ordinary people.