Chennai, December 3, 2025: Chennai rains have intensified dramatically as the remnant of Cyclone Ditwah, now weakened into a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, continues to trigger relentless rain bands across Tamil Nadu’s northern coast. The India Meteorological Department has placed Chennai and 14 surrounding districts under an orange alert predicting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall through today with isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching 40-60 kmph.

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Chennai Rains: What’s Happening Right Now

From North Chennai’s industrial belts to the IT Corridor and southern residential suburbs, Chennai is experiencing widespread waterlogging. Key arterial roads including Anna Salai, Mount Road, Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), and North Usman Road report severe traffic disruptions with over 50 underpasses closed due to flooding. Public transport faces delays while MTC buses operate diversions on multiple routes.

Schools & Colleges Closed: Greater Chennai Corporation alongside Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu district administrations have declared a complete holiday for all educational institutions today, December 3rd. Private schools and colleges must comply with the order. Compensatory working days will be announced later.

Over 200 electrical substations report disruptions while GCC has mobilized 150 high-capacity pumps, 5000 personnel, and 24×7 control rooms across the city. Ennore recorded the highest rainfall at 15.69 cm in the last 24 hours with city average crossing 15 cm.

With #IMD predicting more rains, holiday has been declared on 3 Dec – for schools and colleges – in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu & Kancheepuram – where #redalert has been issued. #DitwahCyclone #CycloneDitwah #TNRains #ChennaiRains #OrangeAlert #SchoolLeave pic.twitter.com/qKZkpzzojF

— Salar News (@EnglishSalar) December 2, 2025

Chennai Rains: Key Facts At A Glance

Parameter	Status
Weather System	Remnant of Cyclone Ditwah (Deep Depression off Chennai coast)
Alert Level	ORANGE ALERT – Chennai + 14 Districts
24-Hour Rainfall	15.4 cm (Meenambakkam) | 15.69 cm (Ennore) | 26+ cm (Nungambakkam)
Districts Affected	Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Villupuram + 10 more
Schools/Colleges	HOLIDAY DECLARED – Dec 3 (4 districts)
Forecast (48 hrs)	Heavy rain today | Improvement Dec 4 | Isolated thunderstorms

How Cyclone Ditwah Triggers Chennai Rains

The deep depression – remnant of Cyclone Ditwah – remains nearly stationary just 35-40 km off Chennai coast, creating persistent feeder rain bands over the metropolitan area. IMD confirms interaction with active northeast monsoon enhances moisture convergence, causing enhanced rainfall over north Tamil Nadu.

“The system will gradually weaken southwestwards today but heavy spells continue till December 4 across Tamil Nadu” – IMD Chennai Director S. Balachandran

Forecast models predict gradual improvement from December 4 as the depression further weakens into a well-marked low-pressure area, though isolated heavy showers with thunderstorms likely through weekend across coastal Tamil Nadu.

Impact Across 15 Tamil Nadu Districts

• Chennai: 200+ interior roads waterlogged | 50+ underpasses closed | MTC diversions | Power cuts in 200 substations
• Tiruvallur: Avadi, Poonamallee completely flooded | Rural roads impassable
• Kancheepuram: Sriperumbudur industrial area waterlogged | Factory operations hit
• Chengalpattu: Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) traffic chaos
• Delta Districts: Thanjavur, Tiruvarur paddy crops damaged across 2 lakh acres
• Cuddalore: 4 rain-related deaths confirmed statewide

Traffic Hotspots to Avoid: Vallarmathy Nagar, Shenoy Nagar, Nungambakkam, T. Nagar, Guindy underpasses, North Usman Road, Perambur, Pattalam, Vyasarpadi, AGS Colony Velachery.

Live Flood Videos & Coverage

Tamil Nadu Government Response

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reviewed monsoon preparedness directing immediate SDRF compensation for crop losses, human casualties, and property damage. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inspected waterlogged areas alongside Chennai Mayor Priya Rajan.

• 15,000 State Disaster Response Force personnel deployed statewide
• 500 relief camps operational across affected districts
• Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia for deceased families
• 200 major stormwater drains desilted on war footing
• 150 high-capacity pumps operational in Chennai
• 2 lakh food packets distributed

Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Radhakrishnan confirmed: “Stormwater drains handle 12 cm rainfall. We’ve recorded 15 cm with predictions of 20+ cm but remain prepared with contingency measures.”

What Chennai Residents Must Do NOW

Official Resources & Live Updates

Disclaimer: This comprehensive report compiled from official IMD bulletins, government announcements, and verified sources as of December 3, 2025, 2:43 AM IST. Residents must cross-verify latest weather alerts, traffic updates, and safety instructions directly from India Meteorological Department and Tamil Nadu government portals before making critical decisions during severe weather conditions.