Chennai is facing extreme weather conditions as heavy rains continue to lash the city, flooding roads and residential areas. Triggered by a low pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, the downpours submerged large parts of the city, causing major traffic disruptions and stranding residents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, warning of extremely heavy rain in the coming days, with up to 20 cm expected in some areas.

Public transport has been significantly affected, with local buses and trains experiencing delays and diversions due to wet roads. In many neighborhoods, power outages were reported as floodwaters inundated key infrastructure. Over 300 localities in Chennai reported severe waterlogging, with Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam receiving 13 cm and 10 cm of rain respectively on Tuesday.

The state government responded by stepping up its disaster relief efforts. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin visited some of the worst-hit areas on Tuesday, urging residents to stay at home and examining drainage systems in flood-prone areas like Pattalam and the Canal of Otteri. The administration has mobilized 16 teams of the National Disaster Response Force and 10 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist in the rescue operations. A total of 89 boats have been deployed across the city in case of emergency, and 5,147 relief camps have been set up across the state, including 300 in Chennai.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin announced that 13,000 volunteers in Chennai and 65,000 across Tamil Nadu were ready to take part in the relief efforts. Precautionary alerts were sent to 8.5 million mobile phones via a common alert protocol, to keep residents informed and urge caution.

In anticipation of worsening weather conditions, schools and colleges in four districts – Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu – were closed. The government has urged private offices to allow employees to work from home where possible. Essential services, including police, fire and rescue, as well as the transportation of necessary goods, will continue to operate.

Travel was severely disrupted throughout the city. Southern Railways has canceled several express trains, including the Chennai Central-Mysuru Kaveri Express, due to congestion at major stations. Metro services remain operational, but safety advisories have been issued, particularly in waterlogged areas like Koyambedu, where parking restrictions have been imposed to prevent water damage. Flights were also affected, with many domestic services canceled as passengers struggled to reach the airport.

In addition to the ongoing rains, a cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall between Puducherry and Nellore by Thursday morning. According to Ronanki Kurmanath of the Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority, the storm is currently moving northwest at a speed of 10 km/h, about 440 km from Chennai. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea and the public is urged to take necessary precautions.

As the rains continue, Chennai remains on alert and authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Udhayanidhi Stalin reassured the public that all necessary measures were in place, including pumping systems to combat water stagnation in over 300 places in the city. Despite the challenges, the state government is working to ensure public safety and minimize damage during this period of severe weather.