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Orange Alert in Chennai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday, October 27, issued an orange alert for four northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu as Cyclone Montha is forming over the Bay of Bengal. The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Ranipet.

According to the latest IMD bulletin, the system, which developed from a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify further during the next 24 hours and move northwestwards.

Due to its impact, weather conditions are likely to deteriorate in the northern coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, especially in and around the Chennai region.

"An orange alert has been issued for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet districts, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall at isolated places," the IMD said in its statement.

The department also said that many parts of the city and suburbs are likely to receive moderate to heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning today, with some areas receiving locally intense rainfall.

The IMD forecast for Tuesday includes an orange alert for Tiruvallur district and a yellow alert for Ranipet, Chennai, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts, indicating the possibility of widespread rainfall activity continuing.

Residents living in low-lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant, and fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea due to rough conditions along the Tamil Nadu and South Andhra coasts.

The weather department said Chennai and adjoining areas are likely to have a generally cloudy sky with occasional rain and thundershowers. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 31 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may hover around 25 degrees.

In view of the possibility of heavy rain, city officials have increased precautionary measures. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has readied motor pumps in flood-prone areas, and the Public Works Department (PWD) has been directed to monitor water discharge levels in major reservoirs and waterways.

With the northeast monsoon gaining strength, officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and report incidents of waterlogging through helpline numbers.

With IANS Inputs