Heavy rain hits Tamil Nadu, showers expected in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka

Indian Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in several parts of southern India over the next few days. Schools and colleges have been shut in several parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Spillover effect felt in Bengaluru, with continuous rain throughout the city.

In Short

• IMD predicts heavy rain in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh.
• Orange alert issued for Rayalseema, coastal Andhra Pradesh.
• Schools closed in Andhra Pradesh due to rain forecast.

While Tamil Nadu braces for heavy rainfall, the Indian Meteorological department (IMD) predicted intense showers in neighbouring states of Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.

The IMD has issued an orange alert in these three states, especially in the Rayalseema region and coastal Andhra Pradesh, where extremely heavy showers are likely.

Very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and south interior Karnataka has been forecast by the IMD from October 15-17. Intense rainfall is expected between October 15-16 in Tamil Nadu’s Karaikal and Puducherry. In Kerala’s Mahe, the forecast is for very heavy rains from October 15-17.

Similar weather will be seen in Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema region and in interior Karnataka. Lakshadweep is likely to see heavy rainfall from October 17. The northeast monsoon is likely to impact coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam between October15 and 16.

The IMD also predicts that a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a depression within 48 hours, bringing widespread rains to Andhra Pradesh.

Andhra Pradesh districts likely to get very heavy rains are Guntur, Kishna, NTR, East Godavari, Eluru, Prakasam, Palnadu, Bapatla, and Chittoor. Other districts may experience moderate rains. Coastal areas might witness strong winds with speeds of 35-55 km/h.

Meanwhile, the authorities have advised fishermen against venturing into the sea due to rough conditions.

In view of this prediction, several districts in Andhra Pradesh have declared holidays for schools. Schools in Tirupati and Prakasham have been shut down for Tuesday, October 15, while in Sri Sathya Sai district holiday has been declared for school for three days, from October 15-17.

In Chittoor district, schools and anganwadis will remain closed for two days, October 15-16.

District collectors have announced these closures citing heavy rainfall and low pressure in the region.

In view of the heavy rains caused by the depression in the Bay of Bengal, Tirupati District Collectorate has set up a cyclone control room.

A disaster management review meeting was held by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Executive Officer along with additional EO and other officials.

Spillover effects of Chennai rains have been felt in Bengaluru as well, with the city getting continuous drizzling since early Tuesday morning.

The low-pressure system is moving west-northwest and may reach north Tamil Nadu and south coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has prepared a detailed disaster management system, bracing for heavy rainfall in the coming few days.