Has Cyclone Ditwah Weakened, Easing Rainfall Threat for Northern TN?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Cyclone Ditwah has weakened significantly.
- Heavy rainfall threats for northern Tamil Nadu are easing.
- Regions like Karaikal and Sembanarkovil have recorded notable rainfall.
- Light to moderate rainfall is predicted to continue.
- Fishermen should avoid venturing into rough seas.
Chennai, Dec 1 (NationPress) Cyclone Ditwah, which emerged over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, has notably diminished into a deep depression, providing relief to the northern districts of Tamil Nadu that were previously alerted to the risk of extremely heavy rainfall.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) reported that the weather system lost its intensity while moving parallel to the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline. As per the latest 24-hour rainfall statistics recorded on Sunday morning, Karaikal experienced the highest precipitation at 19 cm, closely followed by Sembanarkovil in the Mayiladuthurai district with 17 cm.
Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai towns each recorded 15 cm, while Sirkazhi and Tiruvarur regions received 14 cm. Additionally, in the Ramanathapuram district, Thangachimadam and Thondi reported substantial rainfall. Other areas in the delta, such as Tirupoondi in Nagapattinam and Kurungulam in Thanjavur, also noted 13 cm of rain.
Kodiyakarai and Vedaranyam (in Nagapattinam district), along with Nannilam (in Tiruvarur district) and Sethiyathoppu (in Cuddalore district) recorded 12 cm each, indicating consistent rain across coastal areas.
The weakened system, which extended nearly 180 km while progressing northward over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, was located this morning approximately 110 km southeast of Puducherry, 140 km northeast of Vedaranyam, and 180 km south-southeast of Chennai.
Now classified as a deep depression, the cyclone continues to move parallel to the Tamil Nadu coast without making landfall. Meteorologists indicate that as the system further weakens, the distance between it and the Tamil Nadu coastline may decrease to about 30 km, and its reduced force signifies that the risk of widespread heavy rainfall has largely subsided.
The deep depression is anticipated to transition into a well-marked low-pressure area in the upcoming hours.
Looking ahead to Monday, the weather bureau has predicted light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms in various parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Isolated areas in the Tiruvallur district may still experience heavy showers.
Light to moderate rainfall is expected to continue over several regions until December 6. In Chennai and its surrounding areas, the sky is likely to remain predominantly cloudy, with a chance of moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in some locations.
Additionally, strong winds are forecasted over the Gulf of Mannar, Kumari Sea, and parts of the Southwest Bay of Bengal. Fishermen are strongly advised against venturing into these waters due to rough sea conditions and gusty winds associated with the weakening system.