The Indian Meteorological Department(IMD) has withdrawn red alert warning for Chennai that has been witnessing incessant rainfall which lead to floods in the Tamil Nadu capital.
The IMD said the depression over Bay of Bengal has started crossing coast near Chennai.
"The depression has started crossing coast. During the past six hours, it has moved with a speed of 16 kilometer per hour and the landfall process will continue for the next two hours," Deputy Director General of Meteorology, S Balachandran said.
The red alert for Chennai indicating extremely heavy rainfall, is withdrawn he said.
The Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, KKSSR Ramachandran also said that the weather system has started crossing the coast.
Earlier, IMD had issued red alert for Chennai.
Owing to the persistent torrential downpour and heavy winds, Chennai airport suspended arrival of flights till evening in view though departures would continue, authorities confirmed.
"Due to severe rains and heavy cross winds, arrivals at #AAI Chennai Airport will remain suspended from 1315 hrs to 1800 hrs, today. Departures will continue. The decision has been taken considering the safety aspect of passengers and severity of wind," the Chennai Airport tweeted.
"Passengers are requested to contact concerned airline(s) for any updates regarding schedules. @AAI_Official."
In another tweet, the metropolis airport regretted the inconvenience caused to passengers due to severe weather conditions.
(With PTI Inputs)
