Heavy Rainfall Causes Waterlogging in Chennai; IMD Issues Alerts for Tamil Nadu Districts

Residents of Chennai experienced heavy rain early Tuesday morning, with intense downpours recorded between 2 am and 5 am. Major areas such as Central, Egmore, Kodambakkam, Vadapalani, Koyambedu, Aayiramvilakku, Nungambakkam, Choolaimedu, and Guindy faced heavy showers, causing widespread waterlogging. Several low-lying streets were submerged up to knee level, disrupting commute and movement for early-morning walkers.

Officials attribute the heavy rainfall to a stalled low-pressure system over South India and the southeastern Bay of Bengal, which is expected to bring persistent rains over the next two days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of continued moderate rainfall on Tuesday, September 16, covering Chennai and many surrounding districts.

The IMD has also issued orange and yellow alerts for several Tamil Nadu districts including Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Villupuram, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Theni, Tenkasi, and Tirunelveli. In addition, light rainfall is expected in districts such as Kallakurichi, Erode, Salem, and Kanyakumari.

An IMD spokesperson mentioned that light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning would prevail across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with heavy showers possible at isolated locations, especially in Erode, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tirupattur, Salem, Vellore, and Tiruvannamalai districts. Residents are advised to stay cautious and prepared for continued rainfall and waterlogging conditions.