Chennai witnessed heavy rainfall on Friday morning that left several neighbourhoods waterlogged and key arterial roads paralysed with traffic congestion. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the next two days, signalling the likelihood of continued downpours and urging residents to prepare for possible disruptions in mobility and daily routines.
The intensity of the showers caught many commuters by surprise during peak hours, especially in low-lying residential belts that are historically prone to flooding. Overnight showers left major stretches such as Thuraipakkam Junction, Periyar Paathai, and the arterial KoyambeduVadapalani corridor submerged in ankle-deep water. Public safety officers confirmed that waterlogging had slowed traffic significantly and advised two-wheelers to avoid flooded subways until clearance operations were completed.While the rainfall was moderate in meteorological terms, the impact on urban life was immediate and widespread. The waterlogging once again highlighted Chennai’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and its pressing need for sustainable drainage infrastructure. Experts argue that rapid urbanisation, unplanned construction, and insufficient stormwater networks are worsening the risks for residents, particularly in neighbourhoods that lack adequate resilience planning.
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According to the weather department, showers are expected to continue across the metropolitan region until August 27, with intermittent thunderstorms and cloudy skies predicted. Temperatures are forecast to remain above 35°C through the week, amplifying the discomfort of commuters navigating flooded streets. Despite the inconvenience, officials confirmed that schools, colleges, and offices would remain open, barring any escalation in rainfall intensity.Traffic authorities were swift to deploy emergency teams to manage the situation. Pumps were pressed into service to drain stagnant water at multiple locations, while real-time advisories were issued through official social media handles. Citizens were urged to plan travel in advance and to use public transport where possible to minimise congestion. Authorities also reminded residents to stay updated through official communication channels for safety and traffic updates.
This episode underscores a recurring challenge for Chennai: managing climate-induced urban stress while working towards a sustainable and liveable city. Analysts point out that the answer lies not merely in reactive relief measures but in systemic change, including investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, eco-friendly drainage systems, and sustainable city planning. Without such interventions, the combination of heavy rainfall and urban sprawl risks becoming an annual urban emergency.For now, Chennai residents remain hopeful that the showers will ease before the weekend, but the week-long forecast indicates a wetter and more testing stretch ahead for one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan hubs.
Chennai rains flood low lying areas disrupt traffic across major roads
