Schools in Chennai and four neighbouring districts of Tamil Nadu remained closed on Wednesday, October 21, following heavy overnight rainfall and forecasts of continued downpours, district authorities said, according to reporting by The Hindu and IANS carried by the Times and other outlets.

The holiday was declared in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Ranipet. Chennai District Collector S. Malathi Helen ordered the closure of schools across Chennai district, while collectors in the other districts issued similar orders, the Times of India reported citing IANS.

Chennai recorded substantial rainfall during the night. According to Regional Meteorological Centre data, Meenambakkam recorded 12 cm (120.3 mm in one reading) and Nungambakkam 11 cm (107.2 mm) in the hours up to early Wednesday, followed by Taramani at 10 cm, Madhavaram at 9 cm, and Villivakkam and Nandanam at 8 cm each. Water stagnation was reported in low-lying parts of the city during the morning hours.

The India Meteorological Department forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 26, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. A low-pressure area was likely to form over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast within 24 hours.

Orange alerts were issued for southern districts including Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, where rainfall could reach up to 20 cm on Wednesday and Thursday. The closure order applied to schools for October 21 only and did not by itself mean schools would remain closed on subsequent days.