Cyclone Ditwah barrels towards Tamil Nadu coast, state on high alert, schools shut
Cyclone Ditwah was slowly moving closer towards the Tamil Nadu coast, and it is likely to bring heavy rainfall on Saturday (November 29, 2025). IMD forecast heavy rains in the southern and Cauvery delta districts of the State, between November 29 and 30.
Chennai: With Cyclone Ditwah steadily advancing towards the Tamil Nadu coast, state authorities have swung into action, declaring holidays for educational institutions and issuing critical safety guidelines to mitigate the impact of the severe weather system. The cyclone, which originated in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka, has already left a trail of devastation, claiming 56 lives due to rain and floods in the island nation.
As a precautionary measure, schools and colleges have been declared closed today in multiple districts across Tamil Nadu. The Chennai Corporation, in a proactive move, has released a detailed set of safety guidelines for the public.
Cyclone Ditwah: Chennai Corporation's Essential Safety Guidelines
In an official advisory, the Chennai Corporation has emphasized several crucial safety measures:
- Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea.
- The general public has been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and stay safely at home.
- People have been specifically warned against visiting beaches and parks.
- The corporation has cautioned citizens not to stand under trees during the storm.
- Residents are advised to stock up on essential items in advance, including milk, drinking water, candles, and medicines.
Ditwah Cyclone: Official Warnings and Port Closures
Reflecting the escalating threat, Cyclone Warning Cage No. 4 has been hoisted at several key ports, including Nagapattinam, Karaikal, Pamban, and Thoothukudi, signaling dangerous weather conditions and suspending maritime activities.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe weather forecast for the region. A red alert has been sounded for four districts, indicating a high likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Additionally, a moderate flood warning has been issued for a broader area encompassing 19 districts, urging administrations to prepare for potential flooding.
Chennai Weather Forecast and Coastal Belt Brace for Impact
The weather forecast for Chennai and its suburbs predicts a generally cloudy sky with heavy to very heavy rains accompanied by thunder and lightning at a few places in the city.
The coastal areas of North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are bracing for the storm's full fury. The IMD has warned that from this morning until tomorrow morning, these areas are likely to experience strong winds gusting to a maximum speed of 90 kmph. While the wind speed is expected to gradually decrease from the morning of December 1, gusty winds reaching up to 75 kmph are still predicted to prevail.