WATCH: Chennai braces for more heavy rain, shuts schools, deploy NDRF; netizens fume over poor drainage

Low-lying areas across Tamil Nadu have been submerged in water after heavy showers on Wednesday. Schools and colleges in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Ranipet and Kanchipuram districts have declared holiday for the day as IMD has forecast intense rain along with thunderstorms and lightning on Thursday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alert for Chennai and its neighbouring districts on 2 and 3 December, predicting the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall.

The weather office further informed that a well-marked low pressure area persists over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andaman Sea, which is expected to move west-northwards and turn into a depression over the Bay of Bengal on Thursday. Thereafter, on 2 December, it is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm, IMD said.

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Coastal areas may have to prepare for more rain till the weekend with a weather system brewing over the southeast Bay of Bengal.

NDRF deployed in Tamil Nadu

In view of the impending cyclone warning issued by the IMD, as five NDRF teams have been deployed in Chennai, Chengalpet, Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu.

Also 28 members of the SDRF, Tamil Nadu Commando force have been stationed at Rippon Building, prepared for any contingency. They are equipped with essential lifesaving gear and other facilities.

Helpline number launched

The Greater Chennai Corporation has launched helpline numbers in the city for people who need flood and rain related help.

Exams postponed, schools shut

The University of Madras has has postponed the semester exams scheduled for Thursday, 30 November, 2023, due to rain. The revised date to be announced later.

Puzhal Lake, also known as the Red Hills Lake, reached its full capacity due to continuous rainfall in the area. 389 cusecs of water have been released from the lake.

'Trapped in sea of water'

People took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share videos and pictures of roads in Tamil Nadu and Chennai submerged in water.

A user shared video of office goers, pedestrians, motorists wading through water logged street at Ekattuthangal Metro. Hitting out at the state government, the user said, "What a pathetic condition is this? Just an hour rainfall.. look at the situation of 100ft road at Ekattuthangal Metro... They want to reach home, but trapped in sea of water."

Another user shared video from St Mary's road showing vehicles "struggling becasue of water stagnation".

Here's what other users posted after Chennai streets were waterlogged following heavy rains:

With inputs from agencies