The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) reports that a low-pressure system over the east-central Bay of Bengal will likely intensify into a cyclonic storm named ‘Dana’ by October 23. This weather system is set to bring heavy rainfall to multiple districts across Tamil Nadu.
In anticipation of the storm, the RMC has issued a yellow alert for various districts in Tamil Nadu. The Weather Department explains that an upper air cyclonic circulation, initially located over the central Andaman Sea, has shifted northward.
The department forecasts that a low-pressure area will form over the east-central Bay of Bengal and the adjoining north Andaman Sea within the next 24 hours. “This low-pressure system is expected to move northwestwards and reach the north-west Bay of Bengal near the Odisha-West Bengal coasts by October 24,” the department announces.
Moderate rainfall has already begun in Chennai and surrounding areas, including Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur. This wet spell will likely continue for several days, resulting in cooler temperatures.
Authorities strongly advise fishermen to stay off the sea due to anticipated strong winds of 35 to 45 kilometres per hour along the Tamil Nadu coast, the Gulf of Mannar, and the Camorin region.
On October 21, heavy rains are forecast for the ghat regions of Coimbatore and Tirupur, as well as the districts of Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Tiruchi, Dindigul, Madurai, Pudukottai, Ariyalur, and Perambalur.
Authorities have issued flood warnings in Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, and Tiruvannamalai districts, especially where the Thenpennai River flows. Officials remain on high alert due to significant rainfall in the catchment areas of the Krishnagiri Reservoir Project (KRP) dam, which has led to the release of 2,000 cusecs of water. The flood alert also extends to the Harur and Pappireddipatti regions.
Fire and Rescue Services, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), remain on high alert, ready to respond as ongoing rainfall raises water levels in several affected areas.
