Meteorological officials have issued a weather alert for 26 districts in Tamil Nadu as a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclone. The current atmospheric circulation has evolved into a low-pressure system, with forecasts indicating that rainfall will intensify over the next three days, leading up to October 23.
Furthermore, experts predict the formation of a new low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal on October 23, which carries the potential to develop into a cyclonic storm. This development is expected to significantly bolster the northeast monsoon across the state. In response to the forecast, authorities have placed 17 districts under an orange alert, including Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Sivaganga, and Pudukkottai.
A yellow alert has been issued for nine additional districts: Erode, Tiruppur, Karur, Namakkal, Trichy, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Cuddalore, and Villupuram. As the state prepares for heavy rainfall, officials have released a series of safety guidelines for the public. Residents are advised to consume only boiled and filtered water, prioritize hot meals, and include plenty of vegetables in their diet.
The consumption of warm beverages such as soup, rasam, milk, tea, and coffee is recommended, while cold foods and fruit juices should be avoided. Households are urged to maintain cleanliness, ensure necessary medications are stocked, and address any water seepage in walls. Regarding electrical safety, the public is cautioned to handle appliances with extreme care and replace any damaged equipment immediately.
Residents should avoid approaching transformers, power lines, and distribution boxes. In the event of downed power lines, people must keep a safe distance. Furthermore, the use of televisions, computers, mobile phones, and kitchen appliances like mixers and grinders should be avoided during thunderstorms.
Finally, officials have warned against standing near trees during inclement weather.
