As heavy rains continue to affect many parts of Tamil Nadu, authorities announced closure of schools and universities in certain areas on Wednesday. While educational institutions in Mayiladuthurai and Karaikal, Puducherry remained closed, only schools in Cuddalore, Ariyalur and Perambalur districts were given holidays.

The ongoing rainfall is due to a low pressure system over the Southwest Bay of Bengal; According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) report, it is expected to weaken but is likely to move towards Tamil Nadu in the next two days. This system, combined with the cyclonic circulation extending up to 4.5 km above mean sea level, is causing significant rainfall in Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh, triggering a yellow alert in coastal areas of Tamil Nadu.

IMD said: “Under the influence of the upper air cyclonic circulation over the southwestern Bay of Bengal, a low pressure area formed over the same region at 1430 IST yesterday on 11 November 2024 and extended over and adjacent to the Southwest Bay of Bengal off the coast of Northern Tamil Nadu. Southern Andhra Pradesh comes ashore at 05:30 IST today (November 12, 2024) and continues in the same area at 0830 IST.”

“The associated cyclonic circulation currently bends towards the southwest with height, extending to 4.5 km above mean sea level. The cyclonic circulation extends over the southeastern Arabian sea and adjacent Kerala coast and extends to 0.9 km above mean sea level,” he said.

In Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, IMD has predicted moderate to heavy rain in areas like Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Ranipet. Chennai experienced heavy showers overnight; Districts like Adyar, Meenambakkam and Nandanam recorded 6 cm of rain. Additionally, isolated heavy showers are likely to occur in areas like Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar and Madurai.

IMD also predicts significant rainfall in Andhra Pradesh districts including Nellore, Prakasam and Bapatla, accompanied by strong winds along the south coast, with speeds reaching 35 to 45 kmph and wind gusts up to 55 kmph.