Cyclone Montha Brings Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to Chennai and Northern Suburbs
Severe storm triggers flooding and disruptions across Tamil Nadu.
Chennai and its northern suburbs experienced continuous rainfall and strong winds from Monday night into Tuesday morning as severe cyclonic storm ‘Montha’ approached the Andhra Pradesh coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the system, located at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday over the west-central Bay of Bengal, was approximately 160 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 240 km south-southeast of Kakinada, and 320 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, by Tuesday evening or night as a severe cyclonic storm, with sustained wind speeds of 90–100 kmph and gusts up to 110 kmph. Rainfall over northern Tamil Nadu is forecast to decrease from Wednesday onward as the system weakens after crossing the coast.
Significant rainfall was recorded across the city, with the Regional Meteorological Centre noting 47 mm in Nungambakkam and 35.2 mm in Meenambakkam between 8:30 a.m. Monday and 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. Automated weather stations reported higher totals, including 106.5 mm at Ennore Port, 49 mm at Chennai AWS, and 42.5 mm at Puzhal. Waterlogging affected low-lying areas such as Madhavaram, Ennore, and Puzhal, while fallen tree branches caused traffic disruptions.
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Outside Chennai, scattered rainfall occurred across Tamil Nadu. Virinjipuram in Vellore district recorded 85 mm, Valparai in Coimbatore received 22 mm, and lighter showers were reported in Pondicherry, Cuddalore, and Madurai.
Fishermen have been prohibited from venturing into the sea along the north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts due to hazardous conditions. Authorities have closed schools in vulnerable districts, suspended public transport services in affected zones, and activated relief centers in preparation for possible evacuations. Residents are advised to remain indoors, secure property, and monitor official updates as the cyclone progresses.
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