Heavy Rains Flood Chennai; Red Alert Issued for October 16-17 as Northeast Monsoon Sets In
A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has triggered heavy rains across Chennai and nearby districts, marking the onset of the Northeast Monsoon. The downpour on Tuesday disrupted normal life, flooding low-lying areas and exposing the city’s inadequate drainage infrastructure. 
Despite prior assurances from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, several arterial roads were submerged, causing severe inconvenience to residents. Boats were deployed to rescue people from flooded homes in Velachery's AGS Colony, while autorickshaws and buses remained sparse on the roads. 
The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a red alert for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram for October 16-17, with forecasts of heavy rainfall and squally winds up to 55 km/h. The State Disaster Management Authority has warned residents to stay cautious, and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.
The heavy rains also disrupted air travel, with 12 flights canceled and several others delayed due to poor visibility and weather conditions. Chennai Airport urged travelers to confirm flight schedules with airlines before heading to the airport. 
In anticipation of further rains, the state government declared a holiday on October 16 for government offices, schools, and colleges across affected districts, except for essential services like police, fire, healthcare, and transport. 
Traffic in Chennai was heavily impacted, with 51 roads waterlogged and six subways closed, causing vehicle diversions. The administration also warned vehicle owners against parking on flyovers, imposing fines for violators to ensure smooth traffic flow. 
Between October 1 and 14, Tamil Nadu recorded 68% above-normal rainfall. In the last 24 hours, Chennai saw 6.5 cm of rain, with some areas receiving up to 9 cm. Heavy rains are expected to persist over the next few days, intensifying the challenges for residents and authorities alike.