Tamil Nadu – Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds is expected to lash coastal regions as Cyclone Ditwah Tamil Nadu prepares to impact the state and Puducherry on Sunday. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for several parts of the state, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in some locations. The cyclonic storm is currently moving parallel to the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline, positioning itself as a significant weather threat requiring immediate attention and precautionary measures from residents.
The severity of Cyclone Ditwah Tamil Nadu has prompted authorities to issue urgent advisories asking people to stay indoors, avoid coastal areas, and follow guidance from local officials. Fishermen have been explicitly warned not to venture into the sea in affected zones as dangerous conditions persist in the Bay of Bengal region.
Chennai Airport Operations Severely Disrupted
The impact of Cyclone Ditwah Tamil Nadu on transportation infrastructure became evident when Chennai Airport announced the cancellation of 47 flights scheduled for Sunday evening. The cancellations included 36 domestic flights and 11 international services, significantly disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers. Among the domestic services affected, 18 flights were scheduled to depart for Madurai, Tiruchi, Thoothukudi, and Salem, while another 18 were due to arrive in Chennai from these destinations.
The precautionary flight cancellations reflect the aviation sector’s response to Cyclone Ditwah Tamil Nadu and the anticipated severe weather conditions. Airlines and airport authorities prioritized passenger safety over operational schedules, recognizing the potential hazards posed by the approaching storm system.
Storm’s Current Position and Movement Pattern
According to the latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department, Cyclone Ditwah Tamil Nadu continued to move nearly northwards at approximately 5 kilometers per hour over the past six hours. The storm remained positioned roughly 80 kilometers east of Karaikal in Puducherry, maintaining a threatening proximity to the coastline throughout Saturday evening.
The meteorological department predicted that Cyclone Ditwah Tamil Nadu would continue moving northwards along the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts over the next 24 hours. As the system progresses, it is expected to remain over the southwest Bay of Bengal at a closest distance of approximately 50 kilometers from the coastline during early Sunday morning hours, decreasing further to about 25 kilometers later in the evening.
Regional Meteorological Forecasts and Warnings
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has issued comprehensive forecasts regarding Cyclone Ditwah Tamil Nadu’s impact across various districts. Heavy to very heavy rain is anticipated in several locations, with extremely heavy rainfall possible in one or two areas within Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villuppuram, Chengalpattu, Puducherry, and Karaikal districts.
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Light to moderate rain from Cyclone Ditwah Tamil Nadu is likely across many parts of the state and the Puducherry-Karaikal region, accompanied by the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning in isolated spots. Several other districts including Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet may experience heavy showers. Additionally, a few pockets in Vellore, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, and Theni could also witness significant rainfall.
Extended Impact Across Neighboring States
The influence of Cyclone Ditwah Tamil Nadu extends beyond state boundaries, affecting weather patterns in neighboring regions. According to the latest meteorological updates, most parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh-Yanam region and Rayalaseema are likely to receive light to moderate rain, with heavy to very heavy showers in some places and extremely heavy rainfall in isolated patches.
Kerala is also expected to feel the effects of Cyclone Ditwah Tamil Nadu, with light to moderate rain predicted in many areas and heavy rain forecast for a few locations on Sunday. The storm’s reach demonstrates the widespread nature of this weather system and its capacity to influence conditions across multiple states.
Telangana Weather Outlook
In Telangana, the peripheral effects of Cyclone Ditwah Tamil Nadu are expected to bring light to moderate rain in some parts of the state. Heavy rain is predicted in certain isolated areas, though the impact is expected to be less severe compared to the coastal regions directly in the storm’s path.
Safety Measures and Public Advisory
As Cyclone Ditwah Tamil Nadu approaches its closest point to the coastline, authorities have intensified their safety advisories. The red alert status indicates the highest level of weather warning, signaling potentially life-threatening conditions. Residents in affected areas have been urged to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, especially to coastal regions where storm surge and high waves pose significant dangers.
The movement of Cyclone Ditwah Tamil Nadu at 7 kilometers per hour northward necessitates continuous monitoring and adherence to official guidance. Emergency response teams remain on standby to address any situations arising from the severe weather conditions expected throughout Sunday.
