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Chennai Rains: As Cyclone Montha barrels towards the Andhra coast, Chennai is bracing for another bout of heavy rain, gusty winds, and possible disruptions across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Chennai and nearby districts, warning residents to prepare for intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and localised flooding through Tuesday. Cyclone Montha Nears Landfall According to the latest update, Cyclonic Storm Montha is now about 350 kilometres east-northeast of Chennai and has begun moving north-northwestwards after tracking northwest for nearly half a day. The storm remains sheared, with its strongest cloud cover and rainfall concentrated to the west, a sign that Tamil Nadu’s coastal belt is already feeling its effects. Dr B Amudha, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, said, “It is likely to move north-northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by tomorrow morning. It is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, around Kakinada, towards the evening or early night of 28th October. It is likely to touch the coast as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90 kmph to 100 kmph.” Check Cyclone Montha Live Updates The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal, along and off the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal till 28th October. Warnings have also been issued for those heading towards Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Odisha coasts, urging them to stay ashore till 29th October. “Those fishermen who have already set out to sea are requested to return to shore immediately,” Dr Amudha added. Chennai Rains: Weather Forecast and Alerts Across Tamil Nadu Rain is expected to continue across north coastal Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, for the next 6-9 hours, gradually reducing as the cyclone shifts northward. The IMD has placed Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet under an orange alert, signalling heavy rainfall with thunderstorms. Meanwhile, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Cuddalore, Villuppuram, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, and Puducherry remain under yellow alert. For October 28, Tiruvallur continues under orange alert, while Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Theni, Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, and the ghat regions of Tirunelveli remain on yellow alert for heavy rain. Chennai Rains: What's Open, What's Closed? Power Cuts Likely in Low-Lying and Coastal Areas With strong winds and rain expected to intensify through the night, power outages are likely in vulnerable areas. Neighbourhoods such as Velachery, Pallikaranai, Adyar, Perungudi, Taramani, and Thoraipakkam, which often face flooding, are likely to experience temporary electricity cuts as a precaution. Officials from TANGEDCO said supply may be suspended in some parts of south and central Chennai if waterlogging worsens, to prevent electrical hazards. Residents have been urged to charge devices, keep power banks ready, and avoid stepping out during heavy spells. Traffic Woes and Waterlogging Expected Commuters in Chennai may have to brace for traffic snarls on major routes including OMR, Velachery Main Road, LB Road in Adyar, GST Road, and stretches near Guindy and Saidapet, where waterlogging is common during heavy rainfall. Subways such as Madley, Duraisamy, and Vyasarpadi are also prone to flooding and may be temporarily closed. Motorists are advised to check live traffic updates, avoid low-lying stretches, and plan travel early to avoid peak-hour jams caused by slow-moving vehicles and stagnant water. Are Schools Closed in Chennai?Due to the developing Cyclone Montha over the Bay of Bengal, Chennai has been placed on high alert as authorities review the city’s preparedness for heavy rainfall and potential landslides. In view of the worsening weather, Chennai District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Zagade has announced a holiday for all schools today to ensure student safety. The precautionary closure comes as the city braces for intense showers and strong winds. Schools in the neighbouring Tiruvallur district have also been shut, with officials closely monitoring the cyclone’s progress. Emergency teams have been kept on standby to handle any rain-related incidents. Rain To Ease Gradually From Tuesday The IMD’s seven-day forecast shows generally cloudy skies with light rain till October 31, easing to partly cloudy conditions by November 1. Temperatures are likely to hover around 27–30 degrees Celsius, with high humidity levels. Residents are advised to stay indoors, follow IMD and Chennai Corporation updates, and take precautions as the city weathers yet another round of Cyclone Montha’s rain fury.
