Tamil Nadu braced as Cyclone Senyar looms; Chennai to face heavy rains this weekend
Tamil Nadu braced as Cyclone Senyar looms; Chennai to face heavy rains this weekend
Tamil Nadu braces for heavy to very heavy rainfall as Cyclone Senyar forms in the Bay of Bengal; alerts issued for Chennai and delta districts ahead of weekend showers.
A well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to deepen, with the Regional Meteorological Centre forecasting heavy rains across south Tamil Nadu and the delta districts, and the possibility of intense rainfall spreading to north Tamil Nadu over the weekend. Cyclone Senyar, currently situated over the coastal areas of northeast Indonesia, would not have an impact on Tamil Nadu, officials said, even as all eyes remain on the Bay of Bengal system for its influence on the state through the weekend. The RMC expects the low-pressure area to intensify into a depression by Thursday and potentially strengthen into a deep depression as it moves across the southwest Bay of Bengal toward the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts by Saturday.
A yellow alert has been issued for five south coastal and delta districts, including Ramanathapuram and Thanjavur, with heavy rainfall possible on Thursday. As the system intensifies, orange and yellow alerts have been issued for delta and adjoining districts such as Ariyalur and Cuddalore on Friday, signaling heavy to very heavy rainfall and rain spread across the region on Saturday. North Tamil Nadu districts may experience intense rainfall up to 21 cm on Saturday and Sunday, with Chennai and its neighbouring areas also at risk of heavy rainfall during the weekend.
Officials say the wet spell could help wipe out rain deficits in districts like Perambalur, Chengalpattu, Chennai, and Kancheepuram, offering relief to drought-prone pockets. RMC head B. Amudha noted that the synoptic setup points to a strengthening trend up to the stage of a deep depression, and rainfall alerts could be revised depending on the system’s trajectory and intensity as it evolves over the Bay of Bengal.
Residents and authorities are urged to stay prepared for potential weather disruptions, including travel delays and possible flooding in low-lying or coastal areas. Local administrations are closely monitoring the situation and ready to issue further advisories if needed.
Cover image source: Cyclone ‘Senyar' brewing? IMD issues alert over 2 Indian Ocean weather systems 🔗
