Cyclone Ditwah is moving toward north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The storm brings the risk of heavy rain and strong winds. The India Meteorological Department says the cyclone is now near coastal Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal. It is about 480 km from Puducherry and 580 km from Chennai.
The storm is moving northwest at nearly 8 kmph. It will cross the Sri Lankan coast and then enter the Bay of Bengal. After that, it will move toward north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh. This may happen by November 30. Officials say the cyclone will not turn into a severe storm, but strong weather conditions will still affect the coast.
Wind speeds near the centre may touch 60–80 kmph. Gusts may reach 90 kmph. Outer areas may get winds of 35–55 kmph. Heavy rainfall will hit many districts.
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has issued a red alert for Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai. An orange alert is in place for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, and Chengalpattu. Fishermen and people in low-lying areas should stay alert and take care.
