Chennai recorded up to 30 cm of rain from the evening until midnight, flooding homes and roads, disrupting traffic and triggering power cuts across several areas as the northeast monsoon intensified, according to a report by Dinamalar citing weather officials.
Light rain began at about 6 pm before steadily increasing in intensity. The downpour continued until midnight, with North Chennai experiencing thunder, lightning and rainfall that the report compared to a cloudburst-like event. Water surrounded residential areas and roads, affecting movement across the city.
The heavy rain followed nearly three months of intense heat across Tamil Nadu. The prolonged hot weather had caused significant discomfort among residents, while the report also noted that people had faced illnesses including fever. The arrival of the northeast monsoon has now brought a sharp shift in weather conditions, with heavy rain reported during evening and night hours over the past two days.
The rainfall total was substantially higher than the warning issued for Chennai and its suburban districts. Weather officials had forecast rainfall of up to 12 cm, but the city received as much as 30 cm in some areas, according to the report. The difference between the forecast level and the recorded rainfall increased pressure on roads, drainage systems and local transport operations.
Several locations experienced power outages during the rain, leaving residents facing waterlogged surroundings and interruptions to electricity supply. Traffic was affected as rainwater accumulated on roads, while residents were advised not to leave their homes without a necessary reason.
Weather officials attributed the continuing downpour to the concentration of dense cloud formations associated with the northeast monsoon. They said more rain could continue and advised people to remain cautious. The Greater Chennai Corporation administration and rescue teams were reported to be on alert as the possibility of further rainfall remained.
Heavy rain was also forecast for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Kallakurichi and Dharmapuri districts. Residents in these areas were urged to take precautions as the monsoon system remained active.
The immediate response will depend on how quickly water recedes from affected roads and residential areas, and whether further rainfall adds to existing flooding. The civic administration and rescue teams are expected to remain on alert while weather officials continue monitoring conditions.
