Chennai witnessed intense rainfall from Friday evening through midnight, with reports of up to 30 cm of rain, leaving residents affected in several areas.
After nearly three months of scorching heat across Tamil Nadu, the northeast monsoon has begun, bringing heavy showers during evening and night hours over the past two days.
The rain started lightly around 6 pm and steadily intensified, continuing without a break until about 12 am. North Chennai saw thunder and lightning along with very heavy rain, reminiscent of a cloudburst.
Waterlogging was reported in homes and on roads, leading to traffic disruptions. Power outages in multiple localities added to the difficulties faced by the public.
Meteorological officials said dense cloud build-up linked to the northeast monsoon kept the rain going late into the night. While a warning had indicated up to 12 cm for Chennai and suburban districts, the actual rainfall exceeded that, reaching 30 cm. With more rain likely, civic administration and rescue teams have been put on alert, and residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel. Heavy rain is also likely today in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Kallakurichi and Dharmapuri districts.
