Rain likely to continue in Chennai; reservoirs almost full

CHENNAI: Chennaiites woke up to overcast skies and several parts of the city experienced moderate rainfall along with thunderstorm activity in the wee hours on Monday due to the cyclonic circulation over TN coastal region. The Regional Meteorological Center (RMC) predicted the spell is likely to continue for the next two days.

Many areas in Chennai and outskirts, including Tondiarpet, Broadway, Ekkatuthangal, Arumbakkam, Pallavaram, witnessed light to moderate showers, however, no major water logging was reported.

Due to the prevailing cyclonic circulation, North coastal parts, western ghats and adjoining districts of the State receive wet spells along with thunderstorms and lightning for the next 48 hours. In addition, fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea as a strong wind is likely to blow at a speed of 45 kmph to 55 kmph over Kanniyakumari coast, Gulf of Mannar, South TN coastal region.

Meanwhile, city reservoirs have almost reached its full capacity with frequent rainfall in the city and suburbs for the past few days. The Water Resources Department (WRD) mentioned only if over 100 mm of rainfall was received in the catchment, the shutters will be opened to discharge.

"The outflow is expected even before the monsoon commences in the State, due to continuous rainfall. The Chembarambakkam and Puzhal Lake are 90 per cent full, and if the water is released it would affect the people staying in the low-lying areas. Whereas, the water outflow from Poondi discharge will be flowed to Kosasthalaiyar river, and has low impact for the public," said a senior WRD official.

At present, Red Hills reservoir has 2.990 TMC against 3.300 TMC, Chembarambakkam reservoir's present storage is 3.297 TMC, Poondi reservoir currently have 0.656 TMC, and water storage in Kannankottai Thervoy Kandigai and Veeranam reservoirs are full with 0.500 TMC ,and 1.465 TMC.