Is a Red Alert Now in Effect for Chennai and Tiruvallur Due to Cyclone Ditwah's Remnants?
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Synopsis
A Red Alert is in effect for Chennai and Tiruvallur as Cyclone Ditwah's remnants pose a significant threat to the Tamil Nadu coastline. Heavy rainfall is expected, raising concerns about flooding and safety. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and heed warnings as disaster response teams are on standby.
Key Takeaways
- Red Alert issued for Chennai and Tiruvallur districts.
- The system is a deep depression from the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah.
- Heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm is expected in certain areas.
- Residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid travel.
- Disaster response teams are on standby due to flooding risks.
Chennai, Dec 1 (NationPress) A Red Alert has been declared for the districts of Chennai and Tiruvallur as the weakened remnants of Cyclone Ditwah linger perilously close to the coast of Tamil Nadu.
The Chennai Meteorological Centre revealed that the system, which was categorized as a cyclonic storm over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the neighboring north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast on November 30, has since downgraded to a deep depression but continues to remain active in the area.
The IMD reported that the deep depression is moving slowly northward. By Monday morning, it was located over the southwest and adjacent west-central Bay of Bengal close to the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–south Andhra Pradesh coastline.
At that point, the system was approximately 50 km east-southeast of Chennai, 130 km northeast of Puducherry, 150 km northeast of Cuddalore, and nearly 200 km south-southeast of Nellore.
The distance from the center of the depression to the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast was merely 40 km, heightening the risk of heavy rainbands advancing inland.
According to the IMD, the system is anticipated to keep moving northward parallel to the coast over the next 12 hours, likely weakening further into a depression while still over the southwest and adjacent west-central Bay of Bengal.
During this time frame, the nearest distance from Chennai could shrink to just 30 km. Such closeness, along with the system’s slow pace, is expected to generate intense rainfall across the northern coastal districts.
As Chennai has been experiencing persistent heavy rainfall since early morning and with the system staying alarmingly near, the Met Department has escalated its warning from Orange to Red Alert for Chennai and Tiruvallur, indicating the potential for exceptionally heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm at isolated locations.
The districts of Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Ranipet are also under a heavy rainfall alert, with the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning across various parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal.
Officials have advised the public to stay indoors, refrain from unnecessary travel, and follow official guidelines. Disaster response teams are ready as the city copes with severe showers, flooding in low-lying areas, and traffic disruptions caused by the ongoing downpour.
Point of View
It's crucial to understand the implications of the current weather situation in Tamil Nadu. The issuance of a Red Alert highlights the severity of the conditions we face. With the public's safety at stake, our duty is to ensure accurate information is disseminated, allowing citizens to make informed decisions during this challenging period. We stand with the community, providing timely updates and guidance.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current weather alert for Chennai?
A Red Alert has been issued for Chennai, indicating the potential for extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in some areas.
Why has the Red Alert been issued?
The Red Alert is due to the deep depression from Cyclone Ditwah, which is dangerously close to the coast and likely to bring severe weather conditions.
What should residents do during this warning?
Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official guidelines to ensure their safety.
Which areas are most affected by this weather alert?
Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Ranipet are among the areas under heavy rainfall alerts.
What are the expected impacts of this weather event?
Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding in low-lying areas, traffic disruptions, and potential hazards from thunderstorms and lightning.
