Chennai, October 28 (Udaipur Kiran) — Cyclonic storm ‘Montha’, forming over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Although Tamil Nadu is unlikely to face the full impact of the cyclone, heavy rainfall has already lashed several northern districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu, prompting authorities to issue safety advisories and close schools for the day.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai said that while ‘Montha’ will primarily affect coastal Andhra Pradesh, its outer bands have been bringing continuous rainfall to northern Tamil Nadu since Monday.
The IMD has placed Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet districts under an orange alert, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas, along with thunderstorms and wind speeds reaching up to 60 kmph.
As a precaution, the Chennai District Collector announced a one-day closure of all government and private schools on Tuesday. The Tiruvallur District Collector also declared a holiday due to waterlogging in low-lying areas. Several parts of Chennai — including Teynampet, Velachery, Anna Nagar, and Perungudi — reported flooding following overnight downpours.
The Greater Chennai Corporation has deployed extra pumps and field staff to prevent flooding and ensure smooth drainage across vulnerable zones.
Meanwhile, authorities have advised fishermen to stay ashore, citing rough sea conditions and strong winds. Residents in coastal and low-lying areas have been urged to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
An IMD official said, “People should stay updated through official alerts and avoid beaches, riverbanks, and open drains during the rainfall period.”
According to RMC forecasts, the intensity of rainfall is expected to gradually decrease by Wednesday as ‘Montha’ moves inland after making landfall between Kakinada and Machilipatnam along the Andhra coast.
Emergency control rooms have been activated in all coastal districts to monitor the cyclone’s progress and coordinate relief operations.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.