Heavy rain lashes Tamil Nadu; orange alert in almost 10 districts, holiday declared for schools and colleges

CHENNAI: Widespread heavy rains are lashing Tamil Nadu after a short gap. Orange alert has been sounded in about 10 districts. 22 districts are on yellow alert. The incessant heavy rains have led to waterlogging in cities and major traffic jams. Following the rains that started last night, the district collectors had declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Koodallur, Villupuram, Mayilatutthura, Nagapatnam, Vellore, Ranipet, Thiruvannamalai, Thiruvallur, Kallakurichi and Chengalpet districts.

Apart from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry also declared holiday for schools and colleges in various places due to rain. Low pressure is prevailing over Southeast Bay of Bengal and Southwest Arabian Sea. As a result of this, Tamil Nadu received heavy rains. Apart from Tamil Nadu, Kerala is also likely to receive heavy rainfall in the coming days.

The Central Meteorological Department has informed that there is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning at isolated places in Kasaragod in the next three hours and strong winds with a speed of up to 40 km per hour. A yellow alert has been issued in Idukki and Malappuram today.