Overview
- The IMD says a Bay of Bengal system has intensified into a deep depression heading west-northwest toward the north Tamil Nadu–south Andhra coast, with rough seas and gusts up to 65 kmph expected.
- Red alerts have been issued for Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Ramanathapuram, with orange alerts for Chennai and several adjoining districts.
- Heavy rain has already caused waterlogging and transport delays, with Ramanathapuram logging up to 149 mm, Nagapattinam 90 mm and Chennai stations reporting over 60 mm in spots.
- Authorities have activated flood preparedness: the chief minister reviewed readiness, monitoring officers were deployed, relief camps and equipment were readied, and Chennai doubled relief centres to 215 with backup power and meal facilities.
- Fishermen have been advised to stay ashore from October 21–25; flash flood guidance flags low to moderate risk in parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, and Kerala has issued a red alert for three districts on October 22.