IMD predicts heavy to very heavy rains in TN: Red alert for five districts

As rains continue to lash across Tamil Nadu leading to severe waterlogging at various places, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert till Monday for Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Puduokottai and Nagapattinam.

The agency has predicted that heavy to very heavy rains will continue till Monday although the cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal is unlikely to concentrate into a low-pressure area.

Holidays have been announced for schools and colleges in the wake of the heavy downpour

On Thursday, Thoothukudi recorded 25 cm of rains till the evening, with heavy rains continuing to lash the district on Friday morning. Flights were redirected to the neighbouring Tiruchirapalli airport due to poor visibility. Train services were also hit as tracks were submerged.

According to the IMD, a cyclonic circulation lies over the Comorin area and adjoining Sri Lanka coasts and strong northeasterly winds are prevailing over the Tamil Nadu coast and south Coastal Andhra Pradesh at lower levels. Under its influence, widespread rainfall will be witnessed over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Lakshadweep during the next 4-5 days.

The IMD issued a yellow alert for Chennai on Friday and Saturday, predicting heavy rains till Monday, with Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts also expected to receive heavy rainfall until Sunday. The department has also warned people living in low-lying areas to be cautious.