Coastal Tamil Nadu is bracing for the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, prompting authorities to issue a red alert for several districts and close schools as a precautionary measure. The storm, named by Yemen, is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to the region between November 29th and December 1st.
As of November 29th, Cyclone Ditwah was located over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Sri Lanka and was moving north-northwestwards at a speed of 8 kmph. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the cyclone is likely to move close to the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts by November 30th.
Several districts in Tamil Nadu, including Tiruchi, Thanjavur, and Nagapattinam, have declared holidays for schools. Some districts, like Tiruvarur and Mayiladuthurai, had already announced half-day closures on November 28th due to heavy rain forecasts. Collectors have advised schools against holding special classes during this period. Pondicherry Central University has also postponed exams scheduled for November 29th.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Ranipet for November 30th, indicating the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall. An orange alert is also in effect for some places in Thanjavur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, and Kancheepuram for December 1st. A red alert, signifying extremely heavy rainfall, has been issued for Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Tiruchirappalli, Mayiladuthurai, Ariyalur, and Karaikal on December 2nd. Cuddalore, Villupuram, Chengalpattu and Puducherry are also under red alert.
The cyclone has already brought torrential rains to Tamil Nadu's coastal and Cauvery delta districts. Strong winds and high tides have been reported in Ramanthapuram and Nagapattinam districts. A tourist van was stranded in a flooded area near a canal in Ramanathapuram, though the occupants managed to escape. Authorities have warned people against unnecessary travel due to the severe weather. Tourists have been advised not to visit Dhanushkodi as a precaution.
Wind speeds of 50 to 60 km/h, with gusts up to 70 km/h, are expected on November 29th and 30th. The IMD has also warned of extremely heavy rainfall in Nellore, Prakasam, Tirupati, Chittoor, Annamaya and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is possible over Bapatla, Guntur, Palnaadu, and Nandiyan districts. Isolated heavy rain is likely over Nellore and Prakasam districts on December 1st.
