A red alert has been issued for several districts in Tamil Nadu as Cyclone Ditwah moves steadily toward the north Tamil Nadu&ndash;Puducherry coastline. The system, currently positioned close to Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify slightly as it tracks northward.
According to the latest update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is progressing north-northwest and is likely to approach the coasts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh by the early hours of November 30. The weather agency expects the storm to emerge from Sri Lanka into the Bay of Bengal before intensifying further.
Tamil Nadu is set to witness extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations on Saturday, while coastal districts may experience widespread heavy to very heavy showers. The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a red alert for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu and Puducherry due to the threat of heavy rain.
Wind speeds along the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts are forecast to reach 70&ndash;80 kmph, with gusts touching 90 kmph from Saturday morning through Sunday morning. Such conditions could lead to waterlogging in low-lying and urban areas, as well as flash-flood-like situations in hilly regions.
Strong winds may also uproot trees, damage hoardings and affect vulnerable structures. Standing crops, including vegetables, fruits and flowering plants, especially those nearing harvest, are at risk of significant damage.
Rainfall is expected to gradually reduce from December 1, with light to moderate showers likely at many locations and isolated heavy rain in some areas.
Kerala may receive light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy showers on Saturday. Coastal Andhra Pradesh&ndash;Yanam and Rayalaseema are likely to see moderate rain at most places, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at select locations on Sunday. Telangana is forecast to receive light to moderate rain, with isolated heavy rainfall on Sunday.

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and nearby states brace for extreme rain, strong winds and flooding

Red Alert as Cyclone Ditwah Nears Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and nearby states brace for extreme rain, strong winds and flooding

November 29, 2025 | 09:22 IST