Chennai, Dec 15 (IANS) Heavy rains Tuesday lashed the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Karaikal in Puducherry due to a low pressure over Sri Lanka and its neighbourhood.
According to a Met official, Sirkhazhi in Nagapattinam district received 14 cm rains while Taragambadi, Rameswaram and Karaikal in Puducherry received 11 cm rain.

He said Cuddallore, Kollidam, Vedaranyam, Thanjavur, Sivaganga, Myladuthurai also received heavy rains.

Rains above 7 cm is classified as heavy and between 3-6 cm is considered as moderate.

For the fourth day in succession, fishermen in Nagapattinam did not venture to the sea. The district administration has declared a holiday Wednesday for educational institutions there.

Schools in Chennai will also remain closed Wednesday.

Rail traffic on the Pamban bridge over the sea near Rameswaram has been suspended since morning due to the strong winds.

According to the weather bulletin issued by the meteorological office, squally winds with speed reaching 45-55 kmph and gusting to 65 kmph are likely along and off Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast during the next 24 hours.

Chennai has also experienced intermittent rains since Tuesday morning.