The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued cyclone warnings for a number of Tamil Nadu ports due to the formation of a low-pressure system over the west-central and northwest Bay of Bengal, near the shores of northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha.
“The system is expected to move in a west-northwest direction over the next few days,” the IMD said.
Heavy rainfall is likely in these regions
Due to the cyclone situation, heavy rainfall is likely along the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, while Tamil Nadu, particularly its northeastern districts, is expected to experience intermittent showers influenced by the weather disturbance.
Given the situation, cyclone warning signal number 1 has been hoisted at Nagapattinam port. Similar alerts have been sounded in eight other ports — Chennai, Cuddalore, Puducherry, Karaikal, Ennore, Pamban, Kattupalli, and Thoothukudi.
The warning indicates the possibility of squally winds and rough sea conditions, and fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into the sea until further notice.
Weather officials have cautioned that while Tamil Nadu is not directly in the path of the low-pressure system, its coastal regions will still be affected.
“The system is more concentrated towards northern Andhra and southern Odisha, but Tamil Nadu’s northeastern belt will see spells of rain over the coming days,” the IMD said in a statement.
Authorities implementing precautionary measures at ports
Authorities have already begun implementing precautionary measures at ports, while district administrations in coastal regions have been alerted to prepare for heavy rains, possible waterlogging, and gusty winds.
Emergency response teams have also been instructed to remain on standby.
The IMD added that it is closely tracking the development and movement of the system, and further updates will be issued depending on its intensification.
Residents in coastal areas have been urged to follow weather advisories and cooperate with safety instructions.
The low-pressure system comes at a time when the southwest monsoon is active across Tamil Nadu.
Meteorologists said the combination of monsoon activity and the Bay of Bengal disturbance could bring additional rainfall, providing relief from heat but also increasing the risk of local flooding in low-lying areas.
Heavy rain in Hogenakkal
Continuous heavy rainfall in the Cauvery catchment areas of Karnataka and Kerala has pushed the Kabini and Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoirs to their full capacity, forcing authorities to release large volumes of water downstream.
This has resulted in a dramatic rise in the flow of the Cauvery River, leaving Hogenakkal in Tamil Nadu’s Dharmapuri district inundated and prompting flood alerts for residents along the riverbanks.
Officials confirmed that both reservoirs in Karnataka had reached their maximum storage levels and began releasing water as a precautionary measure.
The discharge into the Cauvery has surged steadily, creating a cascading effect downstream. On Tuesday, inflows into Hogenakkal were recorded at around 50,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs).
By 9 a.m. on Tuesday, the flow had risen to 105,000 cusecs, increasing to 115,000 cusecs by 11 a.m., and peaking at nearly 135,000 cusecs by 4 p.m.
The sudden and heavy inflow has transformed the Hogenakkal landscape, with the riverbanks overflowing and low-lying areas resembling flooded forests.
The Dharmapuri district administration has responded with precautionary measures, banning bathing and coracle rides in the Hogenakkal tourist zone to ensure public safety.
Residents living in vulnerable areas along the Cauvery have been advised to move to safer locations until the situation stabilises.
With inputs from agencies
