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Cyclone Ditwah Intensifies: Red Alert for Tamil Nadu's Delta Districts Amid Storm Threat

Cyclone Ditwah is rapidly intensifying over the southwest Bay of Bengal and moving toward the Tamil Nadu coast. The storm has already brought widespread rainfall to Chennai and neighboring districts since early morning. Authorities have issued a red alert for several delta districts while placing Chennai under orange alert status. Fishermen are being urgently warned to avoid sea activities as wind speeds are expected to reach 90 kmph by tomorrow morning.

Key Points: Cyclone Ditwah Red Alert Tamil Nadu Coastal Districts IMD Warning

  • Red alert issued for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai and three other delta districts
  • Orange alert covers Chennai and 13 additional Tamil Nadu districts
  • Fishermen warned against venturing into Bay of Bengal until December 1
  • Gale-force winds expected to reach 90 kmph by November 30 morning
2 min read

Cyclonic storm 'Ditwah': Red alert in TN's Delta, North coastal districts

Cyclone Ditwah intensifies over Bay of Bengal, triggering red alert in Tamil Nadu's delta districts. IMD warns of heavy rains, 90 kmph winds along Chennai coast through November 30.

"Squally winds of 50–60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph, are already being experienced along parts of the coast. - India Meteorological Department"

Chennai, Nov 29

Cyclonic storm Ditwah, intensifying over the southwest Bay of Bengal, continued its northward movement at a speed of eight kilometres an hour during the past six hours and was positioned about 430 kilometres south of Chennai at 2.30 a.m. on Saturday.

As the system advanced, Chennai and its neighbouring districts woke up to widespread rainfall, with moderate showers reported across several pockets of the city and cloudy skies persisting since early morning.

According to the India Meteorological Department's 7.30 a.m. bulletin, Ditwah is expected to continue moving north-northwestwards across coastal Sri Lanka and re-emerge over the southwest Bay of Bengal, heading towards the north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts by the early hours of November 30.

The system is forecast to intensify further as it approaches the coastline, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds and turbulent sea conditions.

In view of the worsening weather, a red alert has been issued for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts, along with Puducherry.

An orange alert has been sounded for Chennai, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Nagapattinam, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Kallakurichi and Tiruvannamalai districts, as well as the Karaikal region.

Since dawn, Tiruvallur district has received notable rainfall, particularly in Ponneri, Minjur, Pulicat, Thachur, Cholavaram, Puzhal and several parts of Gummidipoondi, with steady showers continuing through the morning.

The IMD has reiterated its advisory to fishermen, urging them not to venture into the southwest and west-central Bay of Bengal, the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts, and the south Andhra Pradesh coast till December 1.

Fishermen currently at sea have been advised to avoid these regions, as well as the southeast Arabian Sea, the Lakshadweep–Maldives area, and the Kerala coast, as of November 30.

Squally winds of 50–60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph, are already being experienced along parts of the coast.

Wind speeds are expected to pick up further, strengthening into gale-force winds of 70–80 kmph and gusting to 90 kmph between the morning of November 29 and the morning of November 30.

Conditions are likely to ease gradually, returning to squally winds of 50–60 kmph by December 1. The sea remains rough to very rough, with conditions expected to escalate to very rough to high till November 30.

A gradual improvement is likely from December 1, though seas will continue to remain rough. Authorities have urged the public to remain alert, follow local advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel as Cyclone Ditwah advances towards the coast.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Chennai is experiencing continuous rain since morning. Better to stock up on essentials and avoid going out unless absolutely necessary. The wind speed is already picking up near the coast areas.
S
Sarah B
The IMD warnings seem quite detailed this time. Hope the fishermen community heeds the advisory and stays safe. Last year's cyclone taught us hard lessons about ignoring weather warnings.
K
Karthik V
While the alerts are helpful, I wish the local administration would do more to clear drainage systems in advance. Every cyclone exposes our poor urban planning and drainage infrastructure.
M
Meera T
My heart goes out to the farmers in the Delta districts. Their standing crops might get destroyed by this cyclone. Government should announce compensation packages in advance to give them some assurance.
D
David E
Good to see timely warnings and detailed tracking. The meteorological department has really improved their forecasting accuracy over the years. Stay safe coastal communities! 🌪️

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