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Cyclone Ditwah: IMD Issues Red Alert for Parts of Tamil Nadu; Landfall Expected Tomorrow
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts in Tamil Nadu as Cyclone Ditwah moves steadily toward the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast. The system, currently positioned near Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify slightly as it progresses.
The Cyclonic Storm Ditwah [Pronunciation: Ditwah] over coastalSri Lanka and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards withthe speed of 7 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centered at 2330 hrs IST of yesterday,the 28th November 2025 over the same region, near… pic.twitter.com/dTa5FOs86r
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) November 28, 2025
Cyclone Position and Movement
According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, the cyclonic storm hovering near coastal Sri Lanka and the adjoining Bay of Bengal has been moving north-northwestward. It is projected to approach the north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh coasts by the early hours of November 30.
“We expect the system to emerge from Sri Lanka and enter the southwest Bay of Bengal by the morning of the 29th, with slight intensification thereafter,” IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told ANI.
Heavy Rainfall Warning for Tamil Nadu
The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations along coastal Tamil Nadu on Saturday, with heavy to very heavy rain anticipated across many other parts of the state. Light to moderate rainfall is also expected in several regions.
A red alert has been issued for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu and Puducherry due to the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall.
Gale winds reaching 70–80 kmph and gusting up to 90 kmph are expected along and off the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts from Saturday morning through Sunday morning.
The IMD has also warned of another spell of extremely heavy rain over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Sunday as the system nears landfall.
“This rainfall may cause localized flooding and waterlogging, especially in urban areas. Flash-flood-like situations may also occur in hilly regions,” Dr. Mohapatra added. The strong winds could potentially uproot trees, damage hoardings, and impact thatched or mud structures. Standing crops — particularly those close to harvest — may also suffer significant damage.
Rainfall is expected to gradually reduce to light to moderate levels by December 1, with isolated heavy showers lingering in a few places.
Rainfall Forecast for Other Southern States
Kerala: Light to moderate rainfall is expected at many locations on Saturday, with isolated heavy showers likely.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh–Yanam and Rayalaseema: Light to moderate rainfall is likely at most places, accompanied by heavy to very heavy rain at isolated locations on Saturday. On Sunday, a few places may see extremely heavy rainfall.
Telangana: Light to moderate rainfall is expected at a few places on Sunday, with isolated heavy rainfall likely.
