As rain returns to Chennai, waterlogging tags along

Chennai: An intense rain band that developed near the coast drenched central and northern Chennai on Sunday, flooding several neighbourhoods and reviving concerns over the city's stormwater drainage .

Central, north, and parts of south Chennai and its suburbs bore the brunt of rain in the afternoon and evening with Nungambakkam, KK Nagar, Pallavaram, Tambaram, and Kilambakkam witnessing intense showers, while Kottivakam and Velachery got drizzles and moderate rain.

At Kilambakkam bus stand, plastic waste, bottles, coconut shells and vegetable discards choked stormwater drains, obstructing flow of water. In some sections, water could be seen pouring out from the drains. In several places, commuters were caught unawares. "It rained non-stop for more than an hour in Alandur. I took shelter in a roadside shop and continued the journey when the rain showed no signs of stopping," R Rakesh, a resident, said.

"The weather pattern that influenced this rainfall formed near the beach, assumed a north-west direction, and tilted towards northeast and southwest areas.

This is why parts of south Chennai, such as Thiruvanmiyur and Adyar, did not receive much rain while parts such as KK Nagar and Nungambakkam received a lot," said weather blogger Pradeep John. Another weather pattern would form early in the morning, which may influence widespread rain, he said, adding, "The southwest monsoon is also yet to withdraw. For the next 10 days, one can expect this (sudden weather patterns and showers) to continue."

According to India meteorological department 's rainfall data, the Meenambakkam and Nungambakkam observatories registered a rainfall of 22.8cm and 13.7cm each as of 5.30pm.

The maximum temperature was around 34-35°C and the minimum temperature, 26-27°C. One or two spells of light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning are likely in some areas on Monday.