What Impact Will Cyclone Ditwah Have on Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Cyclone Ditwah expected to bring extremely heavy rainfall.
- Wind speeds could reach up to 90 kmph.
- Fishing operations suspended until December 1.
- Thunderstorm activity anticipated across multiple states.
- Residents advised to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols.
Chennai, Nov 28 (NationPress) The Cyclonic Storm Ditwah has gained strength over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the coastal areas of Sri Lanka, leading the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue warnings for extremely heavy rainfall affecting coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh over the coming three days.
The storm is currently tracking north-northwest and is located approximately 320 km south-southeast of Karaikal, as confirmed by officials.
According to the IMD, Ditwah is expected to maintain its north-northwest trajectory across the Sri Lanka coast and nearby Bay of Bengal, approaching the coasts of North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh by early Sunday morning.
A senior meteorologist from the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) stated, "Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is highly probable over coastal Tamil Nadu for the next three days starting Friday," urging district administrations to stay vigilant.
The forecast also indicates isolated extremely heavy rainfall over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and coastal Rayalaseema on Sunday. Gale winds with speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph, are predicted along the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts until Sunday morning, with very rough to high sea conditions expected to persist.
Fishing operations have been completely suspended across the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh until December 1, according to authorities.
The IMD has issued comprehensive warnings for thunderstorms and lightning across various South Indian states, coinciding with the approach of Cyclone Ditwah towards the eastern coast.
Thunderstorm activity, along with lightning, is anticipated over Tamil Nadu from Friday until December 1.
Areas including Kerala and Mahe (Puducherry) are also expected to experience similar weather conditions on Friday and Saturday.
To the north, regions in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam (Puducherry), as well as Rayalaseema, are under a prolonged alert for thunderstorms and lightning, likely occurring from Friday to December 2.
In the southern regions, Karnataka will also be affected, with warnings issued for South Interior Karnataka on Saturday and Sunday, and for North Interior Karnataka on Sunday.
Additionally, the IMD has indicated that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands may experience thunderstorms on Friday, with gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph.