Chennai, Nov 23 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu is bracing for substantial rainfall today, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings affecting 16 districts due to a newly forming low-pressure system originating from the South Andaman Sea. This weather phenomenon is anticipated to strengthen, resulting in widespread precipitation across the southern and Delta regions, along with areas in central and northern Tamil Nadu.

As per the IMD, districts such as Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, and Madurai are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.

The Delta districts, including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and central districts like Perambalur, Ariyalur, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore, are also under alert.

Predictions indicate heavy rains for Puducherry and Karaikal as well. Southern Tamil Nadu began seeing intense rains from Friday afternoon, which persisted into the night.

The catchment areas of the Thamirabarani river in Tirunelveli and Tenkasi recorded particularly heavy downpours, while Thoothukudi also experienced significant rainfall.

In Tiruchendur, substantial rain led to waterlogging within the temple precincts, with excess water draining into the sea close to the Murugan Temple, causing soil erosion along the adjacent coastline.

Thoothukudi District Collector Ilam Bhagavath has advised residents near Thamirabarani riverbanks to refrain from venturing into low-lying areas and to maintain caution.

Several regions in Tenkasi, including the Shankaran Koil area, continued to receive consistent rainfall. The Delta region remained soaked, with areas like Thanjavur, Thiruvaiyaru, Papanasam, Kumbakonam, Thiruvideimaruthur, Orathanadu, Pattukkottai, Peravurani, and Adirampattinam seeing widespread rain.

Heavy rain persisted for a second consecutive day in Tiruvarur, Thiruthuraipoondi, and Nannilam. In the Cuddalore district, thunderstorms and lightning were reported in Chidambaram and nearby areas, resulting in a noticeable drop in temperatures.

Nagapattinam, Kilvelur, Sikkal, Puthur, and Velankanni also registered heavy rainfall. Strong winds along with rain impacted Mayiladuthurai, Manalmedu, Kuttalam, Tharangambadi, Porayar, Thirukadayur, and Thiruvavaduthurai, while Sirkazhi and surrounding areas, including Thirumullaivasal, Kuzhiyar, Pazhayar, and Edamanal, experienced intense rainfall.

Western and interior districts also had wet conditions.

Dharmapuri's Nallampalli, Elakkampatti, and Othappatti received heavy rain that alleviated the heat, while Ariyalur, Sendurai, and Anganur saw moderate rain for the second day in a row.

Strong winds accompanied rainfall in Perambalur, Veppanthattai, Alathur, Kunnam, and Veppur. Tourists visiting Kodaikanal experienced discomfort due to the incessant rain.

In the Karur district, areas like Veerarakkiyam, Puliyur, Manavasi, Mayanur, Krishnarayapuram, and Panchapatti continued to receive heavy rainfall. Thiruchengode in Namakkal observed moderate showers. Various parts of the Salem district, including Attur, Kengavalli, Thalaivasal, Demmampatti, and Bathanayakkanpalayam, recorded heavy rainfall.

The foothills of Coimbatore, such as Thadagam, Kanuvai, and Somaiyanur, experienced light rain, while a brief spell in Tiruppur brought relief from the heat. Areas like Ranipet, Arakkonam, Walajapet, Melvisharam, Timiri, and Sholingur also reported heavy showers.

With widespread rain expected today, local authorities have urged residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions.