Authorities in Puducherry and Karaikal have also ordered the closure of schools and colleges on Wednesday, following the heavy rain forecast.

Cyclone warning in northern Tamil Nadu

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cyclonic circulation in the South Bay of Bengal is moving northwards and is likely to hit the coasts of northern Tamil Nadu-Puducherry-Karaikal and southern Andhra Pradesh by Wednesday (October 22) afternoon.

Meanwhile, fierce waves and strong winds are lashing Chennai’s Marina Beach, with the ongoing Northeast monsoon triggering turbulent sea conditions. Officials have warned that the rough weather is expected to continue for the next two days. Fishermen and coastal communities have been advised to stay alert and follow safety guidelines.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin recently reviewed the state’s rain preparedness, as intense rainfall warnings were issued for multiple coastal pockets. Several regions, including Tiruvallur, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and the Delta districts, are witnessing heavy downpour.

“I reviewed preparatory measures with district collectors through a video conference from the State Emergency Operations Centre. I have instructed to keep camps, drinking water, food, and medicines ready for safe shelter, and to ensure that paddy procurement in Thiruvarur district is not affected,” Stalin stated.

#NorthEastMonsoon தொடங்கி, தமிழ்நாடெங்கும் பரவலாக மழை பெய்து வருவதால், மாநில அவசரகாலச் செயல்பாட்டு மையத்தில் இருந்து மாவட்ட ஆட்சித் தலைவர்களுடன் காணொலிக் காட்சி வாயிலாக முன்னேற்பாடு நடவடிக்கைகளை ஆய்வு செய்தேன்.

பாதுகாப்பாகத் தங்குவதற்கு முகாம்கள், குடிநீர், உணவு, மருந்து… pic.twitter.com/61QFMUN2wN

— M.K.Stalin – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) October 19, 2025

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has issued red alerts for Villuppuram, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, and Mayiladuthurai districts and Puducherry.