Heavy overnight rains lashed the city and its suburbs, prompting authorities to declare a holiday for schools on Monday, as morning office-goers had a hard time braving the downpour amid traffic snarls in some parts of Chennai.

Trees were uprooted in areas including Ekkatuthangal, Adyar and Nanganallur and the city civic body was clearing them, Greater Chennai Corporation officials said.
Chennai Airport received the highest of 16 cm of rainfall during the 24-hour period ending 8.30 am on Monday, the regional weather office said.