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Chennai: Since morning today, Tamil Nadu, and particularly Chennai and its neighbouring districts, continue to grapple with intense rainfall as the weather system formerly known as Cyclone Ditwah maintains its grip over the region. Despite weakening into a cyclonic circulation, the system's extensive cloud bands and atmospheric dynamics are unleashing heavy to very heavy rains, disrupting daily life and prompting emergency measures.
Chennai Rains: Schools declare half-day as Cyclone Ditwah's impact lingers
Although the core of the storm has moved away, a combination of lingering cloud clusters and pressure variations is driving persistent downpours across the capital. Since early morning, areas including Nungambakkam, T. Nagar (Mambalam), Egmore, Anna Nagar, and Ambattur have experienced continuous rainfall, leading to significant waterlogging in low-lying zones and severely hampering traffic movement on key roads. Neighbouring districts like Tiruvallur and Kanchipuram have also reported similar conditions with frequent thunder showers.
The disruption has extended to the education sector, with numerous private schools across affected areas declaring a half-day holiday for the afternoon or shifting to online learning modes. Authorities have advised the public to avoid non-essential travel and remain indoors.
Chennai weather: City braces for more rain from cyclone Ditwah
Renowned private meteorologist Pradeep John (Hemachandran) has issued a cautionary forecast, warning that the heavy rainfall is likely to persist in Chennai until Thursday morning. "Although Cyclone Ditwah has weakened, the large cloud clusters formed by it have not yet completely dissipated. There is a high possibility of the rain intensity increasing tonight and continuing through tomorrow morning," he stated.
In response to the escalating situation, Greater Chennai Corporation teams have been deployed to critical locations, employing motor pumps to expedite drainage in inundated and flood-prone areas. Officials have also issued a public safety advisory, urging citizens to avoid open spaces due to the heightened risk of lightning strikes.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that while the system has degenerated, its residual effects will continue to cause light to moderate rainfall at many places, with isolated heavy spells, over coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for the next 24 hours.
