This is the storm, which has become a deep depression but not in a severe way. The system is projected to cross the northern Sri Lanka coast (Trincomalee-Jaffna) by Saturday, January 10, 2026, triggering rains in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry all over the place. Meteorologists are witnessing a meteorologic event categorized as “unusual,” as during the month of January such intense cyclonic systems occur only rarely, with only a handful having been recorded since 1891.
Orange and Yellow Alert Districts
IMD has classified forecasted rainfall severity as a series of color-coded alerts. A total of 12 districts are currently being tracked:
- Orange Alert: Very Heavy Rain (12–20 cm) (Delta or coastal area, particularly Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Karaikal and Puducherry). They will have to endure the brunt of the system with the possibility of localized flooding and trouble in everyday activities.
- Yellow Alert (Heavy Rain: 6–12 cm): Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Thanjavur, Sivagangai, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli. Those who live in these areas need to expect heavy rains and cloud.
Chennai and Neighborhoods Impact
Chennai and all its districts (Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram) will experience their sharpest spells on Saturday (Jan 10) and Sunday (Jan 11).
- Urban Disruptions: Waterlogging in low-lying areas, congestion and temporary closure of underpasses have been warned by authorities.
Day temperatures on the bright side will stay low. Temperatures are expected to dip to 27-28°C, and there should be a cool but humid weekend as cloud cover is a challenge with rain falling outside on some days.
Marine and Wind Warnings
Dangerous sea conditions have been flagged by the IMD. Indicating the prospect of localized and severe rain, high winds of at least 45-55 kmph and gusts of up to 65 kmph are projected in Tamil Nadu coast and Gulf of Mannar.
- Fishermen Advisory: We have provided stern warning for fishermen not to go into storm waters until the system weakens.
- Distant Cautionary Signals: The distribution of remote Cautionary Signals (DC-I) has also been raised at the main ports and Ennore due to severe weather with high waves of up to 3 meters.
Safety Recommendations
District collectors have been placed on high alert by the state administration. Residents are advised to:
- Do not travel to areas with waterlogged or flood-prone areas.
- Lock up loose structures that gusty winds may hit.
- Keep up-to-date in official IMD bulletins and local news.
