Cyclone “Ditwah” is moving parallel to the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast. As a result, strong winds and intense rainfall are spreading across the region. Therefore, authorities issued a red alert for several parts of Tamil Nadu. In some places, rainfall may turn extremely heavy. In other areas, people can expect heavy to very heavy showers.
Meanwhile, Chennai Airport cancelled 47 flights scheduled for Sunday. These included 36 domestic and 11 international flights. Among the domestic flights, 18 were supposed to depart for Madurai, Tiruchi, Thoothukudi, and Salem. At the same time, another 18 flights were due to arrive in Chennai from these cities.
IMD tracks slow northward movement
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone moved nearly northward at about 5 kmph over the past six hours. It remained positioned about 80 km east of Karaikal in Puducherry.
Furthermore, the IMD said the system will continue moving north along the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast over the next 24 hours. During this period, it will stay over the southwest Bay of Bengal. At its closest point, it may pass about 50 km and later around 25 km from the coastline on Sunday.
Districts brace for intense rainfall
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall will hit several areas. In addition, one or two places in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu, Puducherry, and Karaikal may receive extremely heavy rain.
At the same time, light to moderate rain will fall across many parts of Tamil Nadu and the Puducherry–Karaikal region. In isolated locations, thunderstorms and lightning may also occur.
Heavy showers are also expected in Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet. Meanwhile, some pockets in Vellore, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, and Theni may receive moderate rainfall.
Since the storm began moving northward at around 7 kmph, the IMD has kept the red alert in place. As a safety measure, officials asked people to stay indoors and avoid coastal areas. They also instructed residents to follow all guidelines issued by local authorities.
In addition, fishermen have been clearly warned not to venture into the sea in the affected zones.
Rain alerts extend to other states
Apart from Tamil Nadu, the cyclone is also affecting nearby regions. Coastal Andhra Pradesh–Yanam and Rayalaseema are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall. However, some areas could see heavy to very heavy showers. In addition, a few isolated locations may experience extremely heavy rainfall.
In Kerala, light to moderate rain is expected in many places. Besides this, a few areas may face heavy rainfall on Sunday.
Similarly, in Telangana, several parts may receive light to moderate rain. At the same time, isolated pockets could see heavy showers.