The coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are bracing for another weather challenge as Cyclone Ditwah intensifies over the southwest Bay of Bengal. This development comes just as Cyclone Senyar weakened into a depression, sparing Andhra Pradesh from its potential impact.
Storm Formation and Expected Landfall
Cyclone Ditwah strengthened into a cyclonic storm on Thursday, marking the third such weather system to develop in the basin during this year's post-monsoon October-November season. The storm is predicted to make landfall somewhere between north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast by November 30.
The cyclone's name, suggested by Yemen, refers to the Detwah lagoon on Socotra island, known for its unique coastal ecosystem. Meanwhile, Cyclone Senyar, which was positioned southeast of Car Nicobar in the Nicobar islands, weakened into a depression on Thursday evening.
IMD Issues Color-Coded Alerts
The India Meteorological Department has issued serious weather warnings for several districts in Andhra Pradesh. An orange alert indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall has been issued for November 29 for Nellore, Tirupati, Annamayya, and Chittoor districts.
The situation escalates on November 30 with a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Chittoor, Tirupati, Annamayya, Nellore, Kadapa, and Prakasam districts. The orange alert continues for Nandyal, Palnadu, Guntur, and Bapatla districts on the same day.
According to S Karunasagar, scientist at IMD-Amaravati, parts of Nellore and Tirupati districts will experience heavy rainfall on Friday as the cyclone's influence begins to be felt.
Weather Conditions and Safety Measures
The weather agency has warned of squally conditions with wind speeds reaching 35-45 kmph gusting up to 55 kmph along and off south coastal Andhra Pradesh on Friday. More severe gale winds with speeds of 60-70 kmph gusting up to 80 kmph are expected from the evening of November 29 until December 1.
Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast until November 30. Those already at sea have been instructed to return to the coast immediately for safety reasons.
The cyclone is expected to trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Rayalaseema and south coastal Andhra Pradesh from November 29 to December 1, potentially causing disruption in the affected regions.
