Chennai Faces Heavy Rainfall Amid Northeast Monsoon, CM Reviews Preparations
Chennai Faces Heavy Rainfall Amid Northeast Monsoon, CM Reviews Preparations
IN · Published Oct 18, 2026
• Chennai and several districts in Tamil Nadu are experiencing heavy rainfall due to the active northeast monsoon, with the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) forecasting further intense spells. On October 17, parts of Chennai recorded over 300 mm of rainfall, leading to waterlogging and traffic disruptions. The rainfall has also increased the combined storage of Chennai's five main drinking water reservoirs by 237 million cubic feet (mcft) over two days. A cyclonic circulation over northern Tamil Nadu and southern coastal Andhra Pradesh is driving the rainfall, with significant convective cloud development over north coastal Tamil Nadu and adjacent sea areas. The RMC has issued a yellow alert for 17 districts and an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in specific districts along the Western Ghats on October
• Rainfall intensity is expected to ease after October

Impact & Risks

The heavy rainfall has caused widespread waterlogging in Chennai, disrupting traffic on major roads such as Anna Salai and G N Road. Several vehicles were stranded due to rising water levels, and areas like Velachery Main Road, Besant Nagar, and parts of North Chennai, including Perambur and Tiruvottiyur, were significantly affected. The inundation has also impacted bus routes and interior roads, causing inconvenience to commuters. The increased water levels in Chennai's reservoirs have improved water storage but may pose a risk of flooding if heavy rains persist. The RMC has warned of isolated very heavy rainfall, particularly in districts along the Western Ghats, which could lead to localised flooding and landslides.

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