Cyclone Ditwah Closes Chennai Schools; IMD Issues Orange Alert for Tamil Nadu
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Tamil Nadu due to Cyclone Ditwah. This alert is in effect for several coastal districts, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall on December 1. The IMD noted the intensification of a low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal as a cause for these weather conditions.
School Closures in Chennai and Neighboring Districts
In response to the extreme weather, all schools and educational institutions in Chennai and surrounding areas, including Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur, will remain closed today. The Tamil Nadu government declared this holiday as a precautionary measure to ensure student safety amid the anticipated heavy rainfall and severe waterlogging.
Impacted Districts
The IMD has placed several districts under heightened alert. The following districts in Tamil Nadu are currently on orange alert:
- Chennai
- Tiruvallur
- Kancheepuram
- Chengalpattu
- Mayiladuthurai
- Nagapattinam
- Tiruvarur
- Karaikal
In addition, a yellow alert has been issued for the districts of Villuppuram, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari. This alert indicates the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall in these regions.
Puducherry Schools Also Closed
In the union territory of Puducherry, all schools will also remain shut. This decision was made by Education Minister A Namassivayam, who emphasized the need for safety as heavy rains are expected as a result of Cyclone Ditwah.
Marine Warning for Fishermen
The IMD has issued a warning for fishermen along the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, as well as in the Comorin area. Wind speeds are expected to reach 55-65 km/h, with gusts up to 75 km/h. These conditions are anticipated to gradually decrease to 45-55 km/h with gusts to 65 km/h by the morning of December 1.
Residents of Tamil Nadu are advised to remain vigilant as the storm conditions are expected to persist until later today, after which improvements in sea conditions are anticipated.
