Chennai, Nov 29 (NationPress) The cyclonic storm Ditwah is gaining strength over the southwest Bay of Bengal and is currently moving northward at a pace of eight kilometers per hour. At 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, it was located approximately 430 kilometers south of Chennai.

As a result of this system's progression, Chennai and its surrounding areas experienced significant rainfall, with moderate showers reported throughout various parts of the city and cloudy weather prevailing since early morning.

The latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) at 7:30 a.m. indicates that Ditwah is expected to continue on a north-northwest trajectory, passing over coastal Sri Lanka before moving back into the southwest Bay of Bengal. It is anticipated to approach the coasts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh by the early hours of November 30.

This system is projected to strengthen further as it nears the coastline, bringing with it heavy rains, strong winds, and dangerous sea conditions.

Due to the deteriorating weather, a red alert has been issued for the districts of Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, and Chengalpattu, as well as Puducherry.

An orange alert has been declared for Chennai, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Nagapattinam, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Kallakurichi, and Tiruvannamalai districts, including the Karaikal region.

Since dawn, Tiruvallur district has recorded significant rainfall, particularly in areas such as Ponneri, Minjur, Pulicat, Thachur, Cholavaram, Puzhal, and various locations in Gummidipoondi, with persistent rain continuing into the morning.

The IMD has reiterated its warnings to fishermen, advising them to refrain from venturing into the southwest and west-central Bay of Bengal, as well as the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh until December 1.

Fishermen currently at sea have been cautioned to steer clear of these regions, along with the southeast Arabian Sea, the Lakshadweep–Maldives area, and the Kerala coast, effective November 30.

Squally winds reaching speeds of 50-60 km/h, with gusts up to 70 km/h, are already being observed along certain coastal areas.

Wind velocities are expected to increase, potentially reaching gale-force speeds of 70-80 km/h and gusting to 90 km/h between the morning of November 29 and the morning of November 30.

Conditions are likely to gradually improve, returning to squally winds of 50-60 km/h by December 1. The sea remains rough to very rough, with conditions expected to worsen further until November 30.

A gradual improvement is anticipated post-December 1, although the seas will likely remain turbulent. Authorities urge the public to stay vigilant, adhere to local advisories, and limit unnecessary travel as Cyclone Ditwah approaches the coast.