Intermittent Rains Disrupt Normal Life in Chennai; Flights and Traffic Affected
Chennai has been experiencing intermittent rains since Wednesday night, disrupting normal life across the city. The Chennai Corporation reported an average rainfall of 53 mm as of Thursday morning.
Weather Update
The low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining eastern Indian Ocean has intensified into a deep depression and currently prevails over the southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. The system is expected to move west-northwest towards the Sri Lanka-Tamil Nadu coasts by today, December 12.
Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is expected in most parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for select districts, including Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, and Pudukkottai, as well as the Karaikal region. Chennai and nearby districts such as Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Trichy, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, and Tiruvallur are also likely to receive heavy rain in isolated places.
Impact on Chennai
Heavy rain in Chennai since early Thursday has severely impacted daily life. Schools have been closed due to the persistent rainfall. Motorists and commuters faced significant difficulties as waterlogging led to traffic jams across major areas of the city, including Guindy, Koyambedu, Maduravoyal, Vadapalani, T. Nagar, Saidapet, Adyar, Egmore, Kodambakkam, Nungambakkam, Chepauk, Thiruvallikeni, Purasaivakkam, Nelkundram, and Vanagaram. Suburban areas like Avadi and Ambattur have also reported continuous rainfall.
The dark clouds and reduced visibility have forced motorists to drive with headlights on during the day.
Flight Delays
The persistent rain has affected operations at Chennai Airport, causing delays in the departure of 15 international flights to destinations such as Dubai, Sri Lanka, and Singapore.
Corporation Efforts
Chennai Corporation workers are actively engaged in clearing waterlogged roads and residential areas to restore normalcy. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, efforts are underway to mitigate its impact on the city.
Residents are advised to remain cautious and avoid waterlogged areas as heavy rains continue to affect daily activities.
