Tamil Nadu gearing up for the storm 

November 30, 2025

Cyclone Ditwah has devastated Sri Lanka, killing more than 120 people and leaving about 130 missing after days of relentless rain triggered the worst flooding the country has seen in over two decades. As Sri Lanka grapples with widespread destruction, the same storm system is now moving toward India’s southern coastline, prompting high alert across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states.

According to the India Meteorological Department, the cyclone is moving north northwest over the Bay of Bengal and is positioned roughly 220 kilometres from Karaikal. It is expected to make landfall along the north Tamil Nadu south Andhra Pradesh stretch in the early hours of November 30. The IMD has warned that both wind intensity and rainfall will increase as the system approaches the coast.

In Andhra Pradesh, south coastal districts and parts of Rayalaseema are likely to face isolated extremely heavy rainfall on Sunday. Gale force winds reaching 70 to 80 kilometres per hour, with gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour, are forecast along the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coastline. Sea conditions are expected to remain very rough, posing major risks for fishermen and low lying coastal settlements.

The IMD has also predicted isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema from November 29 to December 1. Extremely heavy falls are expected over south Coastal Andhra Pradesh and coastal Rayalaseema on November 30. In Tamil Nadu, several districts including Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram and Chengalpattu, along with Puducherry, are under a red alert. Many other districts, including Chennai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram, are under an orange alert. The Karaikal region is also on alert.

States bordering Tamil Nadu are preparing for the spillover effects of the cyclone. Kerala is expected to receive heavy rain, while Karnataka and Telangana may see intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning today and tomorrow.

Tamil Nadu has stepped up preparations as the cyclone draws nearer. A red alert has been issued for vulnerable southern and delta districts. Chief Minister M K Stalin has been supervising the state’s response and holding regular reviews with district collectors and senior officials to coordinate precautionary measures, evacuation plans and emergency services.

Travel disruptions have already begun. At least 54 flights scheduled for November 29 at Chennai International Airport have been cancelled due to deteriorating weather conditions, with authorities warning of further delays as the cyclone moves closer to landfall.