A deepening cyclonic system over the southwest Bay of Bengal prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for Tiruvallur and Ranipet on Sunday, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds as Cyclone Ditwah moves closer to the Tamil Nadu&ndash;Puducherry coast.
The IMD also placed Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Villupuram under an orange alert, forecasting very heavy to extremely heavy rain through the day. 
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, said Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri are also expected to experience sustained heavy rainfall.
Several other districts including Salem, Kallakurichi and Cuddalore, along with Puducherry, are likely to receive significant showers as the cyclone&rsquo;s outer rain bands spread inland.
Strong winds remain a major concern, with speeds expected to reach up to 75 kmph across the southern coastal and delta districts of Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Pudukottai. 
Northern coastal areas and Puducherry may experience winds touching 80 kmph, posing risks to trees, power lines and vulnerable structures.
Officials indicated that rainfall intensity may reduce across most districts by Sunday, except Tiruvallur, as the cyclone weakens after interacting with land.
Disaster response units have been deployed across affected regions, and district administrations have urged residents to stay indoors, avoid flooded zones and monitor official advisories.
Authorities said the next 24 hours are crucial in ensuring public safety, advising residents to keep emergency supplies ready and avoid rivers, coastal stretches and waterlogged areas until conditions stabilise.
&mdash;IANS

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November 30, 2025 | 11:10 IST