Northeast monsoon intensifies in Tamil Nadu, orange alert for Chennai
Tamil Nadu is gearing up for intense weather as the northeast monsoon gets stronger. Several districts—like Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai—are forecast to receive heavy downpours.
Chennai is on "orange alert" for very heavy rain, and a low-pressure area about 400km off the coast could intensify into a depression by October 22, with the potential to develop into a cyclone if it strengthens further, putting northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh on watch.
Emergency plans in place
All this rain could mean flooded streets, waterlogged neighborhoods, and schools are closed, fishermen have been told to stay ashore until October 26 due to rough winds, and Puducherry has announced a holiday with emergency plans in place.
Authorities are also releasing water from reservoirs to help prevent major flooding, while farmers in some areas are already worried about damaged crops.