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Chennai, November 17 (IANS) The low pressure area over the South West Bay of Bengal near the Sri Lankan coast has intensified. It is likely to move towards Tamil Nadu, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Chennai, to issue an orange alert for seven districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall on Monday.
According to the IMD, the system that developed on Sunday morning still remains in the same area. Weather models indicate that it is likely to move west-northwestwards in the next 24 hours, causing significant rainfall over many parts of Tamil Nadu.
Thirparappu in Kanyakumari district recorded the highest rainfall of 6 cm in the 24 hours ending Monday morning. This was followed by 4 cm rainfall in Sembanarkoil (Mayiladuthurai district) and 3 cm rainfall in Parangipettai (Cuddalore district).
With the system gradually strengthening, the IMD has predicted moderate thunderstorm and light to moderate rain over many coastal and interior districts today.
Similar weather with thunder and lightning is expected in the southern and northern districts on Tuesday.
Seven districts – Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Karaikal region – have been placed under orange alert due to the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall on Monday.
Residents of these districts are advised to remain alert, avoid waterlogged areas and follow advisories issued by local authorities.
Meanwhile, heavy rains are expected in Cuddalore, Villupuram, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari and Union Territory Puducherry today. For Tuesday, the IMD has predicted heavy rainfall over the southern districts of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi and Theni.
Chennai and its suburbs are likely to have cloudy skies throughout the day. Heavy to very heavy rain may occur in some areas.
The municipal corporation has put its field teams on alert to deal with possible waterlogging, while residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during extreme rains.
As the Northeast Monsoon becomes active and atmospheric conditions become favorable for heavy rainfall, IMD continues to closely monitor the system. Authorities have urged the public to stay updated through official weather bulletins and take necessary precautions.
–IANS
AL/DPB