Andhra-TN Rains: IMD Says Depression Over Bay of Bengal Has Crossed Coast, Is Weakening

By Wednesday evening, Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) withdrew the red alert for Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram districts due to the reduced rainfall activity.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD)announced that a depression over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal crossed the northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh coasts between Puducherry and Nellore. The system made landfall early Thursday morning, near Chennai, around 4:30 AM.

On Wednesday, a red alert had been issued for Chennai, Tiruvallur, and nearby districts in anticipation of heavy rainfall. However, a shift in the depression's path resulted in reduced regional rainfall. By Wednesday evening, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) withdrew the red alert for Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram districts, as reported by The New Indian Express.

However, parts of Andhra Pradesh continued to receive rainfall on Thursday. 

The IMD reported that the depression weakened into a well-marked low-pressure system after crossing the coast. The weakened system is expected to continue moving west-northwestward and further weaken into a low-pressure area within the next 12 hours.

IMD said: "Depression over westcentral and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal crossed north Tamil Nadu - South Andhra Pradesh coasts between Puducherry and Nellore, close to north of Chennai, near latitude 13.5 N and longitude 80.2 E around 0430 hrs IST of today, the 17th October. Subsequently, it weakened into a well marked low pressure area and lay over South coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining North coastal Tamil Nadu at 0530 hrs IST of today, 2024.To continue to move west-northwestwards and weaken further into a low pressure area during next 12 hours."

 

Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, addressing the media, stated that no significant water stagnation had occurred in Chennai, crediting public cooperation and the efforts of sanitation workers. He reassured the public that the government was fully prepared to manage any further rainfall. Despite the lessened impact, heavy rains on Wednesday caused waterlogging in various parts of Chennai, leading to traffic disruptions and affecting public transportation.