A red alert has been issued for several regions in Tamil Nadu on Saturday as Cyclone Ditwah advances toward the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline, bringing intense rainfall, strong winds and the potential for waterlogging in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and Telangana. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone—currently positioned near Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal—is expected to strengthen slightly.

In its latest advisory, the IMD reported that Cyclone Ditwah, which had been lingering around Sri Lanka’s coast and nearby waters, moved north-northwest and is likely to approach the north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts by early November 30. IMD Director Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told ANI that the system is expected to exit Sri Lanka and re-enter the Bay of Bengal on the morning of November 29, after which a mild intensification is probable.

For Saturday, the IMD predicted extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations along coastal Tamil Nadu, along with heavy to very heavy showers across many other districts and light to moderate rain in remaining areas. The Regional Meteorological Centre has declared a red alert for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu and Puducherry due to the risk of extremely heavy rainfall. Wind speeds of 70–80 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 90 kmph, are likely from Saturday morning to Sunday morning along the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts.

On Sunday, north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are also expected to receive extremely heavy rain as the cyclone nears landfall. The IMD chief noted that this level of rainfall could cause urban flooding, localised inundation and flash-flood-like conditions in hilly areas. Strong winds may uproot trees, damage hoardings and affect thatched or mud structures. The storm could also inflict major damage on standing crops, especially horticulture, floriculture and vegetable fields in the ripening stage. Rainfall is expected to gradually taper off on December 1, reducing to light or moderate showers, with isolated heavy rain possible.

In Kerala, light to moderate rain with isolated heavy showers is likely on Saturday. Coastal Andhra Pradesh–Yanam and Rayalaseema are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall on Saturday, followed by heavy to very heavy rainfall at several places and extremely heavy rain at isolated locations on Sunday. In Telangana, light to moderate rain and isolated heavy showers are also forecast for Sunday.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.