Chennai, November 30, 2025 – Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are on high alert as Cyclone Ditwah inches closer to the Indian coast, bringing the threat of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for several districts, including Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, highlighting the potential for extremely heavy rain in isolated locations.

Storm Movement and Position

According to the IMD, Cyclone Ditwah has been moving nearly northwards at a speed of 5–7 kmph over the southwest Bay of Bengal. As of Sunday morning, the storm was positioned about 80 km east of Karaikal in Puducherry.

The system is expected to continue moving parallel to the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline over the next 24 hours. The closest distance from the coast is projected to be around 50 km in the early hours and 25 km by the evening, which keeps the storm offshore but close enough to trigger heavy rainfall and strong winds along coastal districts.

IMD Warnings and Alerts

The Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, has issued a red alert for several districts, indicating a high risk of extremely heavy rainfall and potential disruptions. Specific advisories include:

• Extremely heavy rainfall possible in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
• Heavy to very heavy rain in districts such as Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet.
• Light to moderate rain with isolated thunderstorms and lightning in Vellore, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Theni, and other regions of Tamil Nadu.

Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid venturing into coastal areas, and adhere to local authorities’ guidance. Fishermen have been explicitly warned not to enter the sea during this period.

Impact on Air and Sea Travel

The approaching storm has already disrupted travel. Chennai Airport cancelled 47 flights on Saturday evening scheduled for Sunday, including 36 domestic flights to and from cities such as Madurai, Tiruchi, Thoothukudi, and Salem, and 11 international flights to destinations including Colombo and Jaffna. Airport authorities have urged passengers to check their flight status and plan travel accordingly.

Meanwhile, sea conditions are expected to be rough, and local disaster management teams are monitoring coastal areas for flooding, waterlogging, and other storm-related impacts.

Rainfall Warnings for Other States

Cyclone Ditwah’s influence is also extending beyond Tamil Nadu and Puducherry:

• Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam region: Light to moderate rainfall expected, with heavy to very heavy showers in isolated areas.
• Rayalaseema region: Isolated spots may see extremely heavy rainfall.
• Kerala: Light to moderate rain across many areas, with some districts expecting heavy showers.
• Telangana: Light to moderate rain in most parts, with heavy rainfall in isolated locations.

Precautionary Measures

Authorities have urged residents in affected zones to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
• Secure loose objects and ensure the safety of homes and property.
• Stay updated with real-time weather forecasts and official advisories.
• Prepare for potential power and communication outages.

Conclusion

While Cyclone Ditwah is expected to remain offshore and may not make direct landfall, its proximity to the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast is causing significant concern due to heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high waves. Authorities and residents are urged to stay vigilant, take precautionary measures, and follow official instructions to minimize risk.

The storm, named Ditwah by Yemen after a lagoon on the northwest coast of Socotra, serves as a reminder of the Bay of Bengal’s active cyclone season, which peaks during late November to December.

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