India, Oct. 28 -- As Cyclone Montha edges closer to the Andhra Pradesh coast, Tamil Nadu is witnessing heavy rainfall, with Tiruvallur district among the worst affected areas. The Tiruvallur District Collector, M. Prathap, declared a holiday for all schools on Tuesday following intense overnight showers and forecasts of more heavy rain.

According to the Tiruvallur District Disaster Management Department, Ponneri and Avadi received 72 mm and 62 mm of rainfall respectively in the past 24 hours, up to 6 am Tuesday.

The Chennai-based Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has predicted moderate rain accompanied by light thunderstorms and lightning across several districts, including Chengalpattu, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Ranipet, Tiruvallur, Tir...