Thunderstorm with `heavy to very heavy` rainfall likely in next three hours in Tamil Nadu: IMD

The IMD had earlier issued a Red warning for Chennai, predicting thunderstorms with heavy to very heavy rainfall in the city on Wednesday (November 10) and Thursday (November 11).

CHENNAI: Amid a flood-like situation in Chennai and the surrounding areas, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has further predicted thunderstorms with “heavy to very heavy” rainfall at isolated places over a few districts of Tamil Nadu within the ''next three hours'' on Thursday. 

“Thunderstorm with heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Thiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram districts of Tamil Nadu within next three hours,” the IMD said in its weather bulletin issued at 3:55 AM.

While Nagappattinam experienced 310 mm rainfall, Thirupoondi - 306 mm, Karaikal - 287 mm, Thalanayar - 236.2 mm, Atiramapattinam - 129 mm, Cuddalore - 98 mm, M.O Pondicherry received 95 mm and Chennai`s Nungambakkam 27 mm.

From November 12 to 14, rainfall is likely in several regions of Tamil Nadu. Thunderstorm with lightning is likely to occur at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal.

In view of the IMD advisory, the government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges on November 10 and 11 in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chengelpet, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Mayiladuthurai districts. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed at multiple places to deal with any exigencies.

There would be squally winds with speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph over southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal and along and off Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts on Thursday, the IMD said.

Sea condition will be rough to very rough over southwest and adjoining the west-central Bay of Bengal and along and off Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts during on Thursday and hence, fishermen have been advised not to venture into southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal and along and off Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts.

According to Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran, the death toll due to heavy rainfall in the state stands at 12.