Moderately heavy rainfall notwithstanding, people of Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu have braved the weather and have gone out to cast their votes. Various parts of the state have been facing rain since the morning of May 16, and weather forecasts suggest that the state is to expect rainfall for the next 48 hours as well.

“There will be moderately heavy rainfall in Chennai and other northern districts, while Trichy and Madurai will also witness heavy drizzles,” said Director of Regional Meteorological Centre, S Balachandran, to The News Minute.

Voters are also turning out to cast their votes in Rameshwaram, Nagarkovil, Rajapalayam, Sriviliputhur and Chidambaram, Theni despite rains. Thiruvarur, the constituency from where DMK chief M Karunanidhi is contesting, however, has recorded only a low voter turnout of only 5 per cent due to rain.

While Trichy has recorded an average of 24 per cent voter turnout, Madurai has recorded an average of 12-15 per cent turnout, as of 10.30am.

Chief Electoral Officer, Rajesh Lakhoni, announced that due to rains in Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Dindigul, Madurai and Nagapattinam, the polling hours may be increased in some constituencies if necessary. 

The voter turnout in Tamil Nadu as a whole had been recorded at 22.32 per cent as of 11.15am.