Cyclone Warning in Tamil Nadu: Red Alert Issued, Chennai Schools Closed
IMD issues cyclone alert for Tamil Nadu; red alert in coastal districts. Chennai under orange alert as heavy rain forces schools and colleges to shut.
Cyclone Warning in Tamil Nadu: Red Alert Issued, Chennai Schools Closed

Cyclone Warning for Tamil Nadu: Red Alert Issued, Schools Closed in Chennai Amid Heavy Rainfall
Tamil Nadu woke up to gloomy skies and pounding rain this Wednesday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a cyclone warning for the state. A weather system developing over the South Bay of Bengal is expected to move west-northwestwards, strengthening into a depression later today.
The IMD has placed several coastal districts — including Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, and Ramanathapuram — under a red alert, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. Chennai remains under an orange alert, with predictions of moderate to heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
Life Disrupted in Chennai and Coastal Towns
Across Chennai, waterlogged roads, fallen trees, and long traffic jams have made commuting difficult. Schools and colleges have been shut for the day, and Puducherry has also declared a holiday for educational institutions.
Strong winds have been lashing the city’s Marina Beach, while waves crash fiercely along the coast — a sign of the intensifying northeast monsoon. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid venturing near the shoreline.
IMD Bulletin
“Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at many places over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam districts, and the Karaikal area.”
Isolated heavy showers are also expected in Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Vellore, Tirupattur, Dharmapuri, and Pudukkottai districts.
Chennai Weather Forecast
If you’re in Chennai, prepare for another wet day with frequent spells of rain, sometimes intense, along with crackling thunderstorms and lightning. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) forecasts light to moderate rainfall across Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Cuddalore, Tiruvannamalai, and Kanyakumari till early afternoon.
Live Weather Updates
- 11:12 AM | Chennai: Light to moderate showers continue across the city with thunderstorms expected till 1:30 PM. (Source: IMD-Tamilnadu Weather)
- 10:51 AM | Sivaganga: Heavy rain floods farmlands and low-lying areas.
- 10:18 AM | Thoothukudi: Fishing activities suspended as cyclone warning issued; strong winds and rough seas reported.
- 10:06 AM | Chennai & Nearby: Orange alert extended to multiple districts including Puducherry.
- 9:56 AM | Chennai: Severe waterlogging and traffic snarls reported in Choolaimedu and other localities.
- 9:47 AM | Thoothukudi: Widespread waterlogging continues; visuals shared by ANI.
- 9:38 AM | Nellore: Schools closed; officials on high alert as heavy rain continues.
- 9:29 AM | Chennai: Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin inspects Narayanapuram Lake; flood-control measures underway.
Situation at a Glance
- Red Alert: 8 coastal districts in Tamil Nadu
- Orange Alert: Chennai and nearby regions
- Schools: Closed in Chennai and Puducherry
- Fishing: Suspended in Thoothukudi due to rough seas
- Forecast: Heavy rainfall and strong winds for the next 24 hours
Authorities Urge Caution
Residents are advised to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially near low-lying areas and beaches
- Stay tuned to official IMD and disaster management updates
- Keep emergency numbers handy and secure loose outdoor items
As Tamil Nadu braces for the storm, authorities emphasize preparedness and safety. With continuous rain predicted, the next 24 hours will be crucial in determining the cyclone’s strength and coastal impact.