Is Tamil Nadu Facing Heavy Rains for the Third Day in a Row?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Coastal Tamil Nadu continues to experience heavy rainfall.
- A well-marked low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal.
- Flooding has disrupted traffic and daily activities.
- Local authorities advise caution on waterlogged roads.
- Cultural traditions are being upheld despite adverse weather.
Chennai, Dec 3 (NationPress) The coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, along with various interior districts, have been subjected to relentless downpours on Wednesday, as the depression over the Bay of Bengal has significantly weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area.
Chennai and its surrounding districts—Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram—experienced yet another day of intense rainfall. This continuous downpour has led to unexpected flooding in residential areas, major thoroughfares, and low-lying regions, causing disruptions in traffic and hampering public movement.
Wednesday marked the third consecutive day of heavy rain, following nearly a week of sporadic rainfall that has already impacted small traders and daily-wage workers, who find it increasingly difficult to conduct their usual business amid the ongoing weather conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a system which had previously intensified into Cyclonic Storm Ditwah has considerably weakened as it moved inland. “The depression (remnant of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah) over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjacent north Tamil Nadu - Puducherry coasts has been drifting southwest and has weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area,” stated the IMD.
The IMD’s latest weather bulletin indicated that this system is expected to continue its slow southwestward trajectory across north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, further diminishing over the next 24 hours. However, the lingering moisture and circulation will still result in significant rainfall across many districts.
Interior areas like Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Tiruvannamalai also experienced repeated heavy showers, interspersed with brief periods of respite as the weakened system progressed inland.
While rain is anticipated to decrease later this week, the extensive rainfall has caused waterlogging in rural areas and temporary disruptions in both transport and agricultural activities.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, the spiritual and cultural practices in Tiruvannamalai proceeded without interruption. Early Wednesday morning, priests at the famous Arunachaleshwarar Temple initiated rituals for the annual Karthigai Deepam festival by lighting the first ceremonial flame—the Bharani Deepam—within the temple sanctum.
In spite of the rain, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekar Babu, along with temple officials and numerous devotees, gathered to witness this significant moment, highlighting the cultural importance of the festival in the area.
As the weather system remains over the coast, local authorities are advising residents to exercise caution, avoid traveling on waterlogged roads, and adhere to the advisories from local administrations in the upcoming days.