A red alert has been sounded for Chennai and its neighbouring areas for October 16, indicating the possibility of isolated extremely heavy rain.

The northeast monsoon set in over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Tuesday (October 15, 2024), bringing heavy rain to the northern parts of the State, particularly Chennai and its neighbouring districts.

A red alert has been sounded for Chennai and its neighbouring areas for Wednesday (October 16, 2024) too, indicating the possibility of isolated extremely heavy rain.

The well-marked low-pressure area has intensified into a depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, and lies about 490 km south-east of Chennai. It is likely to cross the north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts between Puducherry and Nellore, close to Chennai, in the early hours of October 17.

The State government has announced a holiday on Wednesday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts.

The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority’s State Helpline: 1070, District helpline 1077, Whatsapp: 9445869848. For information about relief centres, food supply, and flood volunteers helpline 1913 can be contacted.