Overview

• The India Meteorological Department confirmed the full withdrawal of the southwest monsoon and the onset of northeast monsoon rainfall over the southeast peninsula on October 16.
• Orange alerts were issued for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Mahe, Puducherry and Karaikal with very heavy to widespread rain forecast through October 21.
• The Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre warned of very heavy rain at isolated places in Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Ramanathapuram, while Kerala placed Kottayam and Idukki on orange alert and several other districts on yellow alert.
• Heavy showers caused flooding and transport disruptions, including waterlogged neighborhoods in Tirunelveli and an inundated Chellapandian flyover at Chennai’s Washermanpet.
• District collectors ordered a one-day closure of schools in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi, and the IMD advised fishermen to stay ashore as squally winds reached 35–45 kmph with gusts to 55 kmph along exposed coasts and sea areas.