IMD forecasts continued heavy rainfall in South India.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that heavy rainfall activity is likely to continue over South Interior Karnataka, Kerala, Mahe and Tamil Nadu during the next five to six days.

It has also predicted light to moderate rainfall over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura during the next two days.

The weather agency said that conditions are favourable for further withdrawal of Southwest Monsoon from remaining parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim and some more parts of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha during the next two days.

Madurai/Trichy: Southern Tamil Nadu was hit by heavy rainfall on Thursday, with Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Tuticorin districts facing flash floods, road blockages, and power outages. A low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep triggered the downpour, while a weather system over the Kanyakumari Sea and Sri Lanka further intensified the rains in southern districts.

Tuticorin experienced flash floods in Sekkarakudi and nearby villages as the Magizhpuram stream overflowed, submerging the Tamboothi Bridge and cutting off traffic. Power outages were widespread, and causeways in Sekkarakudi and Kombukkara Natham were submerged, leaving residents stranded. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued heavy rains and gusty winds along the coast, with speeds reaching up to 55 km/h.

Tirunelveli saw intense rainfall, with Ottapidaram recording 30 mm, Ambasamudram 26 mm, and Kalakkad 44 mm. Flash floods and waterlogging affected low-lying areas, particularly near Palayamkottai Manakavalam Pillai Hospital. Power failures were reported in parts of Vannarpettai due to equipment malfunctions. Tenkasi received sporadic rain, with Sankarankovil recording 20 mm and Sivagiri 17 mm. Ramnathi Dam saw 12 mm of rainfall, and minor flooding occurred in several areas.

However, ongoing underground drainage (UGD) work in Trichy has caused disruptions for commuters. Trenches left unfilled from UGD pipeline installations and manhole construction have worsened road conditions amid the rains. While no specific warnings have been issued for Trichy, the IMD has predicted cloudy skies with the possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday.

Dindigul and Theni districts also recorded 15-20 mm of rain on Thursday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a warning pointing out that Maharashtra and several other states are expected to experience heavy rainfall until October 16.

This alert follows a significant downpour that affected parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, two days ago, where storms brought lightning and heavy rain that disrupted the ongoing Navratri festivities and caused widespread waterlogging.

On Thursday, the unexpected intensity of the rain surprised many residents, especially since the weather department had only issued a ‘yellow’ alert, forecasting light to moderate rainfall for Mumbai.

Heavy rain caused significant disruptions, particularly in the Prabhadevi area, where commuters struggled to navigate flooded streets, particularly at Elphinstone Road and NM Joshi Marg.

The IMD’s latest forecast predicts widespread heavy rainfall across multiple states from October 12 to 16. The areas at highest risk include Tamil Nadu, Kerala, South Interior Karnataka, the Konkan and Goa regions, Madhya Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, and Gujarat.

As the weather system develops, special attention will be needed in the following days, particularly on October 15 and 16, when heavy rainfall is expected in Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.