IMD Issues Orange Alert for Heavy Rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange warning for coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, predicting heavy to extremely heavy rain between November 30 and December 2-4. Residents in these areas are advised to remain vigilant and safe during this time.

Key points from the IMD alert:

• Coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal are expected to experience very heavy to isolated heavy rainfall (115.6 to 204.4 mm) from November 30 to December 2-4.
• Specific districts likely to witness heavy to very heavy rain include Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and the Puducherry and Karaikal areas.
• A well-marked low-pressure area over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining South Andaman Sea is expected to concentrate into a depression in the next 24 hours. It is projected to intensify into a cyclonic storm over the Southwest Bay of Bengal around December 3 and reach the North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh coasts as a cyclonic storm on December 4.
• Weather conditions during this period may include generally cloudy skies, moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms and lightning, and the likelihood of very heavy rain in some areas.
• The maximum temperature is predicted to be around 29 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may be around 24 degrees Celsius.

Additionally, heavy rainfall was reported in various parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on Wednesday, prompting the IMD to issue a yellow alert for the entire state. Several areas experienced waterlogging, leading to the closure of schools in Chennai on Thursday. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions during the forecasted heavy rainfall.