Chennai, Sep 13 (IANS) Several parts of Tamil Nadu, including Perambalur, Vellore, Virudhunagar and Dindigul districts, received heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, bringing relief from the prevailing heat.

The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast moderate rain in 17 districts on Sunday.

Heavy rain lashed Perambalur and surrounding areas, including Arumadal, Kavulpalayam, Eraiyur, Perali and Thuraimangalam. Several parts of Tiruvannamalai district, including Arani town, Kannamangalam, Sandavasal and Sevur, also witnessed intense showers.

In Vellore district, rain was reported in Vellore city, Katpadi, Sathuvachari, Ponnai, Vallimalai, Latheri and Gudiyatham.

Heavy rain at Pernambut caused severe waterlogging along the State Highway connecting Tamil Nadu with Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Rainwater accumulated like a large pool along a half-kilometre stretch, leaving motorists struggling to navigate the road.

Sivakasi and its neighbouring areas, including Tiruthangal, Satchiyapuram and Vilampatti in Virudhunagar district, received heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds. Similar conditions prevailed in Vathalakundu, Pattiveeranpatti, Old Vathalakundu and Mallanampatti in Dindigul district.

Evening showers in Kodaikanal brought down temperatures and delighted tourists. Moderate rain was recorded in Periyakulam, Allinagaram and Aranmanai Pudur in Theni district. Nagapattinam and nearby areas, including Kilvelur, Devur, Thirumarugal, Nagore, Sikkal and Valivalam, experienced rain accompanied by strong winds.

The showers cheered farmers preparing their fields for samba paddy cultivation.

Nannilam and adjoining areas in Tiruvarur district also received rain. Residents of Mettupalayam and Kallar in Coimbatore district welcomed the sudden showers after days of hot weather. Udhagamandalam also experienced a noticeable drop in temperature following rain after several unusually warm days.

The weather office said moderate rain was likely in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Sivaganga, Tiruchi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, Tiruvannamalai and Vellore districts on Sunday.

Chennai and its suburbs may receive moderate rain during the evening or night. Heavy rain is forecast in the Nilgiris on September 15 and 16, while Coimbatore could experience heavy showers on September 16.

–IANS

aal/dpb