Chennai, Oct 19:
Chennai and its neighbouring districts are likely to receive more rain over the coming days, with the Regional Meteorological Centre warning that the northeast monsoon remains active across Tamil Nadu. A yellow alert has been issued for Chennai from October 19 to 21, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds also likely.
The weather department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in districts including Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Coimbatore, the Nilgiris and Theni. Several other districts, including Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai, are also expected to receive heavy rain.
The warning follows an exceptional downpour in Chennai over the weekend. According to the meteorological report, Parrys recorded 363.4 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Sunday. The intensity of the spell prompted authorities to step up monitoring and rainwater clearance operations across the city.
The weather department said the weakening of a cyclonic circulation over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coast had reduced the likelihood of another very heavy spell over Chennai in the immediate period. However, the risk of further heavy showers remains, particularly in low-lying and waterlogging-prone neighbourhoods.
Residents have been advised to follow official weather updates and exercise caution while travelling through waterlogged roads. Civic authorities are continuing preparedness measures as the city braces for more rain during the northeast monsoon.