Tamil Nadu is bracing for heavy rainfall as Cyclone Mandous is set to cross near the Chennai coast this midnight. The state government has issued an advisory and deployed resources in vulnerable areas. Schools and colleges are shut today in 12 districts, including Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Vellore, Ranipettai and Kancheepuram. The norther part of the state has been receiving light to moderate rainfall since last night. Chennai received 52.5 mm rainfall till 5:30 am. The Chennai civic body has ordered to close all parks and playgrounds till further notice. It has also asked people not to visit beaches today and not park their cars under trees. All shops on the beaches have been shut too. As many as 5,093 relief centres, including 169 in Chennai, and 121 shelters have been opened across Tamil Nadu.
