A significant weather alert has been issued for Tamil Nadu, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall continuing until October 19. This widespread precipitation is attributed to a low-pressure area forming in the southwest Bay of Bengal and strong moisture-laden easterly winds. The IMD has placed 16 districts on high alert, anticipating intense rainfall. These include key locations such as Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Theni, and Tenkasi, which are forecast to experience severe downpours on Tuesday and Wednesday. Other districts like Tiruppur, Erode, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tiruchirappalli, Kallakurichi, and Tiruvannamalai are also expected to face heavy rainfall. Isolated heavy showers are possible in Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai. Coastal areas like Kanniyakumari and Ramanathapuram, and the hilly parts of Tirunelveli, are specifically mentioned for alerts on October 15 and 16. Chennai may see moderate rain accompanied by thunder. Officials are warning of possible waterlogging in vulnerable urban areas. Recent heavy rains have already impacted daily life, causing flash floods and traffic disruptions in western districts, and leading to precautionary water releases from reservoirs in Salem and Erode. Landslides near Coonoor and Kotagiri have prompted temporary road closures and safety advisories for residents in hilly and flood-prone zones. The Tamil Nadu government is closely monitoring the situation and has mobilized disaster relief forces.
