Fri Dec 13 11:23:26 UTC 2024: ## Heavy Rainfall Lashes Tamil Nadu; Red Alert Issued for Three Districts

**Chennai, December 12, 2024** – Widespread rainfall is currently affecting northern and delta districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and Nagapattinam, due to a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal. According to Chennai’s Meteorological Department Director, Balachandran, the deep depression, which was located near Sri Lanka yesterday, has now moved to the Mannar Gulf and adjacent areas. It is expected to weaken into a low-pressure area within the next 12 hours, moving in a northwesterly direction.

The northeast monsoon has been particularly intense over the past 24 hours across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Heavy rainfall has been reported in most coastal areas and many inland areas. Kodiyakkarai in Nagapattinam district recorded the highest rainfall with 18 centimeters. Four locations experienced extremely heavy rainfall, and 72 locations received heavy rainfall.

The forecast for the next two days predicts moderate rainfall across many areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. However, a heavy rainfall warning has been issued for the next 24 hours. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in some places in both the north and south coastal districts. Extremely heavy rainfall is possible in isolated places in the districts of Nellai, Tuticorin, and Thenkasi. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also anticipated in the districts of Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Trichy, Karur, Dindigul, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore. Isolated heavy rainfall is likely in southern Tamil Nadu and districts bordering the Western Ghats on December 13th.

Chennai itself has experienced significant rainfall, with Nerkundram recording 10 cm, Meenambakkam 8 cm, Anna University 7 cm, and Taramani 7 cm, amongst other locations.

The director emphasized the importance of scientific analysis alongside technological predictions, acknowledging that technological forecasts can sometimes be inaccurate. A low-pressure area is also predicted to form near the Andaman Islands around December 15th.

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