October 29, 2025

A fierce weather drama is unfolding as Cyclone Montha marches closer to the Andhra Pradesh coast, with Chennai already feeling the wet and wild effects! Heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds lashed Tamil Nadu's capital, Chennai, causing quite a stir. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has slapped an orange alert on Chennai and nearby districts, warning everyone to get ready for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and possible floods through Tuesday. According to the latest IMD update, Montha was about 350 km east-northeast of Chennai and is now moving north-northwest. Interestingly, the cyclone’s strongest rains and cloud cover are mostly on the western side, meaning Tamil Nadu’s coast is catching the storm’s fury early. Dr B Amudha, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, says, “It is likely to move north-northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by tomorrow morning. It is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, around Kakinada, towards the evening or early night of 28th October. It is likely to touch the coast as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90 kmph to 100 kmph.” Fishermen are warned not to venture into the southwest and central Bay of Bengal, especially around Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, till October 28. Those already out at sea should return immediately. The warning extends to fishermen near Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Odisha coasts until October 29. Meanwhile, the rains will keep drumming over northern coastal Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, for the next 6 to 9 hours, then slowly ease as Montha travels northward. IMD has put Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet under orange alerts, signaling heavy rain and thundery storms. Other zones like Coimbatore, Nilgiris, and Puducherry face yellow alerts. Brace for the impacts! Strong winds and rains may cause power outages, especially in flood-prone areas like Velachery, Pallikaranai, Adyar, and Perungudi. TANGEDCO officials have warned that electricity might be shut off temporarily in some parts of south and central Chennai to avoid electrical accidents during waterlogging. Residents are advised to fully charge devices, keep power banks ready, and avoid stepping outside during heavy downpours. Traffic troubles await commuters too. Key roads like OMR, Velachery Main Road, LB Road in Adyar, and GST Road may face jams due to waterlogging. Subways such as Madley, Duraisamy, and Vyasarpadi are prone to floods and could be closed temporarily. Motorists should check live updates, avoid low-lying spots, and plan travel carefully. Safety first! In a precautionary move, Chennai District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Zagade has declared a holiday for all schools on Tuesday. Schools in Tiruvallur district will also remain closed as emergency teams stay ready to handle any rain-related emergencies. Stay safe, stay indoors, and keep an eye on weather updates as Cyclone Montha brings in its stormy spectacle!

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Tags: Cyclone montha, Chennai rainfall, Imd alert, Andhra pradesh coast, Tangedco, Traffic disruptions,