Wed Oct 16 01:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Chennai Escapes Heavy Rains Today, But Light Showers Expected
**Chennai, October 16, 2024:** Despite earlier concerns, Chennai will not be hit by heavy rainfall today, according to weather expert Pradeep John. While a low-pressure area had been anticipated to move near the city, the wind convergence associated with it has shifted upwards, reducing the likelihood of heavy rain.
John, in a Facebook post, reassured residents that Chennai will experience only moderate rainfall, typical of the northeast monsoon. He attributed the shift in weather patterns to the southward movement of the wind convergence towards Andhra Pradesh. He also stated that rain, primarily driven by cloud attraction, could occur between the 18th and 20th of October.
With this update, residents can remove their vehicles from the Velachery flyover, which had been flooded over the past two days.
While Chennai escaped heavy rain, the city’s surrounding districts of Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu continue to experience moderate rainfall. Earlier, a red alert for heavy rain had been issued for these four districts.
The low-pressure area is currently situated 350 km east-southeast of Chennai. The city and its suburbs can expect moderate rain throughout the day, with stronger winds predicted later this afternoon.
The city has been experiencing significant rainfall since Monday night, leading to waterlogging in various parts of Chennai. Traffic congestion was also reported in several areas due to waterlogged roads.
The recent rains have also caused flooding in several residential areas, including Pallakkaranai, Kanakki Nagar, Duraipakkam, Velachery, Madipakkam, Ram Nagar, Perungudi, Perambur, and Mudichur Varadarajapuram.
In response to the heavy rain, schools, colleges, government offices, and public institutions in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu districts have been declared closed today. Similar closures have been announced for schools and colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal.
The Chennai High Court has also declared a holiday for today. Passport offices in the four districts have been closed as well.
First Piper 