Ten more persons died in rain- related incidents in Tamil Nadu on Monday taking the toll since the onset of the N-E Monsoon in October to 180, while heavy rains continue to batter several parts of the state.

Police headquarters in Chennai said ten persons died in various districts in incidents such as electrocution, wall collapse and drowning.

The maximum number of deaths were reported in Cuddalore district (29), followed by Villupuram (21) and Tiruvarur (19).

Normal life was hit hard in several places, including this metropolis, with incessant rains flooding low-lying areas, causing traffic snarls.

The government had declared a holiday for schools in the city and several rain-hit districts for Monday.

Heavy rains were expected to continue in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry during the next 48 hours starting from 8.30 am on Monday, Met officials said.

Fishermen were warned not to venture into the sea as strong onshore winds from northerly to northwesterly direction with speed reaching 45-55 kmph were likely along north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts.

Kelambakkam (Kancheepuram district) recorded the maximum amount of rainfall (17 cm), followed by Mahabalipuram (13 cm), Anna University and DGP Office in Chennai (11 cm each).