Chennai, Nov 30 (NationPress) A significant weather emergency brought on by Cyclone Ditwah has led the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for the districts of Tiruvallur and Ranipet on Sunday, signaling the threat of exceptionally heavy rainfall and fierce winds.

The intensifying cyclonic system located over the southwest Bay of Bengal is moving towards the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline, causing widespread rain bands and hazardous wind conditions across several northern and central districts.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, the IMD has also assigned an orange alert to Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Villupuram districts, predicting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall for the day.

As Cyclone Ditwah approaches the coast, there has been a sharp increase in atmospheric instability, raising the likelihood of severe downpours during the night and early Sunday hours. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has further indicated that Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, and Dharmapuri will also experience prolonged periods of heavy rainfall.

Moreover, the districts of Salem, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore, along with the neighboring Puducherry, are anticipated to receive substantial rainfall as the cyclone's outer bands sweep inland.

Authorities are particularly concerned about strong winds. The IMD's advisory indicates that wind speeds could reach up to 75 km/h across southern coastal and delta regions, especially in Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Pudukottai. In contrast, northern coastal areas and Puducherry may experience stronger winds, peaking at 80 km/h, which poses risks to power lines, trees, and vulnerable structures.

Despite the current high-alert situation, officials have indicated that all districts, except for Tiruvallur, are likely to see a decrease in rainfall intensity on Sunday as the cyclone begins to diminish after making landfall.

Disaster response teams are prepared across the impacted regions, and local administrations have advised residents to remain indoors, steer clear of waterlogged areas, and closely follow official guidelines.

With Cyclone Ditwah continuing to affect weather conditions across vast areas of Tamil Nadu, authorities stress that the next 24 hours are vital for preventing injuries and reducing damage. Residents are advised to have emergency supplies ready, stay updated with official weather forecasts, and avoid approaching rivers, coastlines, and flooded regions until conditions improve.