The India Meteorological Department (IMD) released a heavy‑rain and thunderstorm alert on Tuesday, Oct 20, targeting Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and the Lakshadweep islands. The alert calls for gusty winds up to 70 km/h and rainfall exceeding 150 mm in isolated pockets.
Cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal and a persistent moisture trough are the culprits, according to IMD forecasters, creating a rain band that will sweep the southern coast through Oct 25. The forecast models predict peak rainfall of 200 mm in some districts by Thursday.
Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan said district officials had issued orange alerts in six districts and were on standby to deploy emergency services. He added that shelters had been set up in Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris.
The department also warned fishermen along the Kerala and Karnataka coasts, as well as the southwest Arabian Sea, to avoid sea travel between Oct 19 and 22, citing a 1.5 m sea‑level rise forecast and strong surface winds. Local port authorities have already diverted incoming vessels to safer harbors.
Residents in Rayalaseema and parts of Karnataka have reported power outages and road blockages caused by heavy downpours, prompting authorities to divert traffic to alternate routes and to keep emergency crews on alert for possible rescue operations.