A red alert has been issued for several districts in Tamil Nadu as Cyclone Ditwah moves steadily toward the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast, bringing the threat of extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds and potential flooding across parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and Telangana.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the cyclone, currently positioned near Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal, is likely to intensify slightly as it travels north-northwest. The system is expected to reach the vicinity of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh by the early hours of November 30.
Cyclone Ditwah Strengthens Near Bay of Bengal
According to IMD’s latest bulletin, Cyclone Ditwah moved north-northwest after hovering close to coastal Sri Lanka. IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the cyclone is expected to strengthen slightly after re-entering the Bay of Bengal.
“We expect it to come out of Sri Lanka and enter the southwest Bay of Bengal by 29th morning. Then there could be a slight intensification,” he told ANI.
Red Alert in Parts of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is bracing for extremely heavy rainfall, especially across coastal regions. The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a red alert for:
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Cuddalore
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Mayiladuthurai
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Villupuram
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Chengalpattu
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Puducherry
The IMD warned that gale winds of 70–80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph, may lash the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts from Saturday morning until Sunday morning.
Officials have cautioned that these conditions could lead to:
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Localised flooding and waterlogging
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Flash-flood-like situations in hilly regions
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Uprooting of trees
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Damage to hoardings
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Structural impact on thatched or mud houses
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Significant loss to standing crops, including vegetables, floriculture and horticulture
Rainfall Forecast: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
Tamil Nadu & Puducherry
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Extremely heavy rainfall expected on Saturday and Sunday
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Risk of urban flooding and inundation in low-lying areas
Kerala
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Light to moderate rainfall at many places
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Heavy rainfall at isolated locations
Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, Rayalaseema
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On Saturday: Light to moderate rainfall with heavy to very heavy showers at isolated spots
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On Sunday: Heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places, extremely heavy rainfall at isolated areas
Telangana
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On Sunday: Light to moderate rainfall at several places
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Heavy rainfall at isolated locations
Following the landfall phase, rainfall intensity is expected to gradually reduce from December 1, though isolated heavy showers may continue during the weakening stages of the cyclone.
