What to Expect from Cyclone Montha? Orange Alert Issued in 4 Tamil Nadu Districts
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Cyclone Montha has formed over the Bay of Bengal.
- Orange alerts issued for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet.
- Expect heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.
- Residents in low-lying areas should exercise caution.
- City authorities are taking precautionary measures to ensure safety.
Chennai, Oct 27 (NationPress) With the emergence of Cyclone Montha in the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared an orange alert for four northern coastal districts in Tamil Nadu: Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet. Residents are warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.
The latest bulletin from the IMD indicates that this weather system, which originated from a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal, is anticipated to gain strength and move northwestward within the next 24 hours.
As a result, worsening weather conditions are expected across the northern coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, especially around the Chennai region.
According to the IMD, an orange alert signifies the potential for very heavy rainfall at isolated locations in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet.
Furthermore, the department highlighted that moderate to heavy rain, coupled with thunder and lightning, could affect various parts of the city and its suburbs today, with localized intense downpours possible in certain areas.
For the following day, the IMD has extended the orange alert for Tiruvallur district and a yellow alert for Ranipet, Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu districts, indicating ongoing widespread rainfall activity.
Residents living in low-lying regions are advised to exercise caution, while fishermen are warned against heading out to sea due to rough conditions along the Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra coasts.
The weather forecast suggests that the skies over Chennai and surrounding areas will likely remain predominantly cloudy, with sporadic rain and thundershowers. The maximum temperature is projected to stay around 31 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature may hover near 25 degrees.
In preparation for the anticipated heavy rainfall, city authorities have heightened precautionary measures. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has deployed motor pumps in flood-prone areas, and the Public Works Department (PWD) has been directed to monitor water discharge levels in major reservoirs and waterways.
As the northeast monsoon strengthens, officials urge residents to refrain from unnecessary travel and report instances of waterlogging through designated helpline numbers.