Rainfall LIVE Updates: Severe downpours in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka send states reeling

On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, intense rain continued to batter Chennai and other regions of Tamil Nadu, submerging residential areas and highways up to the knees in water, creating traffic jams, and impairing public transportation. According to a news release from the Met, "it is likely to move west-north-westwards and cross north-south Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu coasts between Puducherry and Nellore, close to Chennai, during the early morning of October 17 as a depression." Over the southwest and adjacent west-central Bay of Bengal, especially along and off the shores of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh, squally weather with wind gusts of up to 60 km/h is predicted. Coasts until October 17. The State and Central disaster reaction force teams are reportedly on standby in 26 places throughout Chennai and the surrounding regions, according to the Tamil Nadu government. Additionally, 219 boats are prepared for service in Chennai and other regions of the state for rain-related jobs. Schools in Bengaluru are closed due to severe rain, and many people choose to work from home. After a brief respite on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the rain is still falling in several areas of Bengaluru on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. While rain and a couple of hours' worth of disruption to metro services owing to a tree falling caused traffic jams in numerous areas, many private employees chose to work from home on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, and the district administration has proclaimed a holiday for schools. Online courses are offered by certain schools.