Orange Alert Issued for Chennai and Neighboring Districts Due to Heavy Rainfall
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued an orange alert for Chennai and surrounding districts of Tamil Nadu, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall on Wednesday, December 18, due to the low-pressure area over the South Bay of Bengal.
The low-pressure area, initially located over the central parts of South Bay of Bengal, has now shifted to the southwest Bay of Bengal as of Tuesday. A cyclonic circulation is extending up to 5.8 km above sea level, and it is expected to intensify and move west-northwestward towards the Tamil Nadu coast over the next two days.
Impact on Chennai and Nearby Areas:
- Heavy to Very Heavy Rain: The alert indicates that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram districts.
- Villupuram and Cuddalore: Heavy rainfall is also expected in these districts on December 18.
Wind Warning:
- North coastal areas of Tamil Nadu will experience strong and gusty winds, with speeds reaching 35 km/h to 45 km/h over the next 24 hours.
- Strong winds, with speeds reaching up to 55 km/h, are expected to prevail over the north coastal Tamil Nadu, Comorin area, and the Gulf of Mannar until December 20.
Fishermen Advisory:
Due to the prevailing weather conditions, the weather department has advised fishermen to refrain from venturing into the sea and to avoid deep-sea fishing in the affected areas over the next few days.
Weather Outlook:
- On Thursday, December 19, intense rainfall is expected to continue over Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram.
- Light to moderate rain will occur in many parts of north coastal Tamil Nadu, with a few places over the rest of the state experiencing thunderstorms and lightning activity.
Residents are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions against the adverse weather conditions.
