Chennai is witnessing cloudy weather with intermittent rain and increasing wind speeds as Cyclone Montha approaches. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that some areas of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry could see heavy to very heavy rainfall today.
Cyclone Montha likely to intensify
The deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal has strengthened and is expected to turn into a severe cyclonic storm today. Montha is projected to make landfall near Kakinada, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, with wind speeds reaching 90–100 km/h and gusts up to 110 km/h.
Are schools open or closed in Tamil Nadu today?
All schools in Chennai will be closed today. The district collector of Chennai made the announcement for Chengal Pattu, Tiruvallur and Villupuram and adjoining districts, where both schools and colleges have been asked to stay shut.
The IMD has issued heavy rain warnings for several states:
- Tamil Nadu and Rayalaseema: Heavy to very heavy rain on October 27–28
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam: Rainfall expected October 26–30
- Odisha and Telangana: Heavy showers predicted October 27–30
Emergency Measures in Place
NDRF and SDRF teams are on standby in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea from October 26–29. Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to evacuate residents in vulnerable areas and declare school holidays if required.
