CHENNAI: Chennai and its suburbs have been lashed by heavy rains since Tuesday morning, triggered by Cyclone Fengal. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall across Tamil Nadu until Thursday, as a depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into an extreme low-pressure system. The system is likely to develop into a cyclone again by Wednesday.

In response to the adverse weather, the Tamil Nadu government has declared holidays for schools and colleges in nine districts: Chennai, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Tiruvallur, Thanjavur, Mayiladuthurai, Thiruvarur, Puducherry and Karaikal.

A yellow alert is in place for Chennai, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts from November 27 to November 29, while an orange alert has been issued for Chengalpattu. The Central Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms in these regions.

Air travel has also been impacted, with IndiGo issuing weather advisories for passengers traveling from Chennai, Thoothukudi and Madurai.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant as the IMD predicts more intense rainfall in districts including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram and Cuddalore. Precautionary measures are being implemented to ensure public safety amid the ongoing weather conditions.