Chennai, Nov 28: Cyclonic storm Ditwah has begun moving towards the north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh coastlines, as per the latest update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday. The storm, currently located over coastal Sri Lanka and the adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, was last tracked at around 480 km south-southeast of Puducherry and 580 km south-southeast of Chennai late on Thursday night.

According to the IMD, Ditwah is advancing northwest at a speed of approximately 8 kmph and is expected to cross the Sri Lankan coast before heading into the Bay of Bengal. The storm is likely to approach the coasts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh by November 30.

Despite its movement, officials have stated that the storm is not expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm. However, strong winds and heavy rainfall are anticipated along the affected coastlines. Gale-force winds with speeds ranging from 60-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph, are expected near the storm’s center, while outer bands may experience winds between 35-55 kmph.

In response to the storm's development, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has issued a red alert for the Cauvery Delta districts- Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai- until November 30. An orange alert is also in effect for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, and Chengalpattu.

Fishermen have been strongly advised to avoid venturing into the south, central, southwest, and southeast Bay of Bengal for the next five days due to rough seas and the storm's expected impact.

Additionally, the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema from Saturday, particularly in districts such as Chittoor, Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, and YSR Kadapa. Authorities are actively taking preparedness measures as the region braces for the storm’s impact.mmmm