Chennai, Dec 17 (NationPress) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted thunderstorms along with rain for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Wednesday, with the possibility of lightning in isolated areas.

Throughout the day, Chennai is expected to have overcast skies, with light to moderate rainfall anticipated in various parts of the city. This forecast follows widespread rainfall recorded on Tuesday, which caused significant disruptions in traffic and inconvenienced residents, especially motorists, in both Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

After experiencing several days of dry weather and fog in various parts of the state, heavy rain began lashing Chennai early in the morning, affecting daily life. Areas such as Alandur, the airport zone, and Meenambakkam experienced intense downpours. Waterlogging on the busy GST Road resulted in traffic congestion stretching nearly two kilometers, forcing vehicles to crawl and leaving commuters stranded for extended periods.

In Kallakurichi district, rain commenced in the morning and intensified after 6 p.m., impacting the town and surrounding rural regions. Once the rain lessened, dense fog enveloped the Kalvarayan Hills, significantly reducing visibility.

With minimal traffic on hill roads, motorists were compelled to turn on headlights and proceed with caution. Perambalur district experienced cloudy conditions for most of the day, followed by substantial rainfall at night.

Rainfall was reported not only in Perambalur town but also in nearby regions such as Perali, Sidheli, Chengunam, and Siruvachur. Similarly, Ariyalur district saw heavy rain in Sendurai, Anganur, Sivarampuram, and Sannasinallur. Foggy conditions were also noted in the Kumumoor forest area, further impacting road visibility. In Shivaganga district, the Tiruppattur area experienced heavy rain after 7 p.m., lasting over 25 minutes.

While the rain provided much-needed relief to farmers and residents, motorists faced challenges due to slippery roads and poor visibility. Parts of Thoothukudi district also received rain. Moderate rainfall was reported in Tiruchendur town and surrounding areas such as Alanthalai, Kallamozhi, Thalaivaipuram, Paramankurichi, and Kayamozhi, leading to water flowing along roads in multiple localities.

Puducherry city experienced heavy rainfall for nearly an hour, significantly disrupting vehicular movement. Areas including Nellithope, Urulaiyanpet, near the Raj Bhavan, Karuvadikuppam, Kalapet, Muthialpet, Thavalakuppam, and Manaveli witnessed intense showers, resulting in traffic congestion and delays.

The IMD has urged the public to exercise caution during thunderstorms, particularly while traveling, as rain accompanied by lightning is expected to persist in parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry today.