CHENNAI: Jal brought in heavy rains across northern Tamil Nadu on Sunday as strong winds led to a dip in mercury that kept many people indoors post Deepavali. Past night, though, the cyclonic storm was set to weaken into a marginal one and cross between Chennai and Nellore.
Yet, as a precaution, the State government announced the closure of all schools and colleges in the districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram on Monday. For emergencies related to the cyclone, one may dial 1077 or 25268320.
North Chennai, especially Perambur and MKB Nagar, was the most affected, as the Jeeva Railway Bridge was inundated by five feet of water.
Fishermen in the city faced the brunt of the cyclonic storm. Around 40 catamarans were reduced to pieces after high tides, and the storm lashed the coast since Saturday evening at Uroor Alcott Kuppam.
The city’s suburbs witnessed only light showers in irregular intervals. However, residents in and around Madipakkam witnessed a strong gale keeping motorists off the roads. But the winds did not bother residents as much as the power cuts in places like Alandur, Madipakkam, Ullagaram and Puzhuthivakkam from Saturday night.
At the airport, as many as 17 flights were diverted on Sunday morningcaussing delays and creating a cascading effect which led to the cancellation of other flights.