Cyclone ‘Senyar’ alert: IMD sounds heavy rainfall alert for several Tamil Nadu districts, schools closed in Rameswaram; key points

CHENNAI: Several north and delta districts of Tamil Nadu are bracing for heavy to very heavy rainfall as the season’s second cyclonic storm is expected to develop over the Bay of Bengal by November 27.

Once formed, the system will be named Cyclone Senyar, a name given by the UAE meaning lion.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of extremely wet conditions across the state over the next two-three days. Very heavy rainfall of 12–20cm is likely in three delta districts on November 28, seven districts including Chennai on November 29, and Tiruvallur on November 30.In view of the worsening weather, authorities in Rameswaram have declared a holiday for schools on Wednesday.

IMD officials said the twin weather systems — Cyclone Senyar over the Strait of Malacca and a well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal — will influence rainfall intensity and movement in the coming days.

* Cyclone Senyar forms over the Strait of Malacca and adjoining Northeast Indonesia after intensifying from a deep depression; centered at 5.0°N, 98.0°E at 5:30 am on Nov 26.* The cyclone is 100km east of Kuta Makmur (Indonesia), 260km WSW of George Town (Malaysia), 600km ESE of Nancowry, and 740km SE of Car Nicobar.

* It will maintain cyclonic storm intensity for 24 hours, cross the Indonesia coast today (Nov 26), then move west-southwest before recurving eastwards over the next 48 hours.* A well-marked low-pressure area persists over the southwest Bay of Bengal, Southeast Sri Lanka & Equatorial Indian Ocean, likely to intensify into a depression within 24 hours.* IMD forecasts formation of a cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal by Nov 27, expected to enhance rainfall over Tamil Nadu.Heavy rain warning* Nov 28: Heavy to very heavy rain in three delta districts* Nov 29: Very heavy rain in seven districts, including Chennai* Nov 30: Warning for Tiruvallur* Schools shut in Rameswaram on Wednesday due to persistent rain.* Authorities urge residents in vulnerable coastal regions to stay updated on weather advisories.