Heavy rain batters Tamil Nadu: Schools shut in Chennai, suburbs as IMD issues fresh warning

Weather Update in Tamil Nadu: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that heavy rains are likely to occur in parts of western Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, December 3, with heavy rains in the Nilgiris, Erode and Coimbatore. This rainfall activity is associated with the remnants of Cyclone Ditwa, which weakened into a deep depression and later into a low-pressure area off the Tamil Nadu coast.

Chennai and its neighbouring districts have been receiving incessant rain since morning, following two days of continuous downpour caused by a cyclonic storm that developed in the Bay of Bengal. These districts are Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram. Waterlogging was reported on several arterial roads, residential areas and low-lying areas in and around Chennai, disrupting normal life and slowing down vehicular movement.

According to IMD updates, the system weakened further near the coast on Tuesday morning. Despite this, widespread rainfall continued across northern Tamil Nadu. Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram also recorded intermittent rain throughout the day.

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For all schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram, the district administration declared a holiday on Wednesday in view of heavy rains.

Officials said the precautionary measures were taken in view of flood-prone areas, submerged school areas and the continued threat of moderate to heavy rain. In Chengalpattu, only schools have been declared a holiday, not colleges. Similarly, in Ranipet district—specifically, the Arakkonam and Nemili taluks—schools have been declared closed.

Schools will also remain closed in Cuddalore, Kallakurichi and Villupuram districts. The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning at several places in Puducherry, Karaikal and other parts of Tamil Nadu.

Heavy rainfall may occur at one or two places in the Nilgiris, Erode and Coimbatore, while districts like Tiruppur, Theni, Dindigul, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Salem and Namakkal are also likely to receive heavy rainfall at isolated places.

Authorities have urged residents, especially those in vulnerable and hilly areas, to remain vigilant. Disaster management teams in northern and western districts have been put on alert to deal with any rain-related emergencies.

With the northeast monsoon becoming active and a weak system persisting off the coast, the IMD has advised the public to follow local weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel to rain-affected areas.

With IANS Inputs