Cyclone Montha Approaches, Chennai and Tiruvallur on High Alert

Chennai, Oct 28 (PTI) The Meteorological Department has issued a storm warning for Tamil Nadu ports as Cyclone 'Montha' approaches Andhra Pradesh. Montha, a name derived from the Thai word for a fragrant flower, has prompted authorities in Chennai, Ennore, and Kattupalli to hoist Local Warning Signal No. 4. Regional Meteorology Centre Director B Amudha stated that a distant warning of Signal No. 2 has been issued for the ports of Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Puducherry, and Karaikal. The warning is a precautionary measure against the potential impact of the cyclone, marked by gusty winds that pose risks to ships and port activities. Tiruvallur district is on high alert, with heavy rainfall anticipated as the cyclone intensifies into a severe cyclonic storm. Recent data from the Tiruvallur District Disaster Management indicates that Ponneri and Avadi recorded 72 mm and 62 mm of rainfall, respectively, in the previous 24 hours, as of 6 am on Tuesday. In light of this, Tiruvallur District Collector M Prathap has declared a holiday for schools on Tuesday. The latest bulletin from the Regional Meteorology Centre warns of moderate rain with light thunderstorms and lightning in various districts, including Chengalpattu, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Ranipet, Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Tirupattur, Villupuram, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Kanyakumari. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea until October 29, as surface winds in the Bay of Bengal are expected to reach speeds of 90 to 100 kmph, with gusts up to 110 kmph. Deputy Chief Minister Udhyanidhi Stalin conducted a surprise visit to the Command and Control Centre at the Chennai Metropolitan Corporation office on Tuesday morning. He reviewed the management of traffic flow, particularly in areas prone to congestion due to the expected rains. In Chennai, schools have been declared closed on Tuesday due to the weather conditions.