Heavy rain lashed Chennai and surrounding areas overnight, exposing flood-preparedness gaps in north Chennai and Velachery. Parry’s recorded 36.3 cm of rain, while Ennore Kathivakkam received 34 cm in the rainfall report. Although Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) staff cleared waterlogged roads and subways, some residential streets remained flooded because of clogged canals, incomplete drains and stalled infrastructure work.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its bulletin issued on October 18, forecast heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal from October 18 to 21. Isolated heavy rain is likely to continue from October 22 to 24.

Chennai recorded 10.5 cm of rain in the 24 hours ending at 6 am on Sunday. Waterlogging affected parts of north Chennai and Velachery, while civic teams worked overnight to clear affected roads and subways.

IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on Monday. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph are also possible at isolated places.

Parry’s recorded 36.3 cm of rain, followed by Ennore Kathivakkam at 34 cm, Meenambakkam at 28 cm and Chennai Central at 27.4 cm. Fourteen of 21 locations reporting very heavy to extremely heavy rain were in north Chennai.

Velachery also faced waterlogging, with knee-deep water reported on streets in Bhuvaneswari Nagar, Ram Nagar, AGS Colony and Tansi Nagar. Residents blamed clogged canals and incomplete drainage links for the flooding.

More than 15,000 GCC staff worked overnight, clearing 35 waterlogged roads and 16 subways. However, residents flagged unfinished infrastructure in Vyasarpadi, including a delayed flyover project and drainage work linked to Otteri Nullah.

A Pattalam resident also said a 24-km stormwater drain built in 2024 had not been connected to nearby channels. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay reviewed preparedness and asked officials to monitor weather conditions and keep flood-response measures ready.

October 19 is observed as Ayudha Pooja in Tamil Nadu, with Vijayadashami falling on October 20. Schools and colleges following the state holiday calendar may remain closed for the festival, independently of the rain.

Parents should check their kids' institution’s calendar and district administration announcements for confirmation.

IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places on October 19 in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. The warning covers the state, but rainfall intensity will vary by location. Isolated heavy rain is also forecast from October 22 to 24.

Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds may affect parts of Tamil Nadu during this period. Residents should monitor local advisories and exercise caution in flood-prone areas.

IMD expects widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal through October 24. Very heavy rain is possible at isolated places through October 21, followed by a heavy rain warning for October 22–24.

The department has warned that heavy rain and strong winds can cause waterlogging, reduced visibility and disruption to road and rail traffic. Residents should follow official weather and civic updates as conditions change.

(Inputs from Agencies)