IMD Warning: Cyclone Ditwah Triggers December 1 School Holiday in Chennai
Chennai will remain on high alert on December 1 as Cyclone Ditwah continues to intensify over the southeast Bay of Bengal. Based on the latest weather bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Chennai district administration has declared a holiday for all government and private schools due to the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall.
According to IMD, Cyclone Ditwah is expected to bring widespread rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds across Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur. The weather agency has warned that certain pockets could witness intense rainfall, increasing the risk of waterlogging, flooding, and traffic congestion.
Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel, especially in low-lying and flood-prone zones. Emergency response teams, including the Chennai Corporation and State Disaster Management units, have been placed on alert to handle any situation arising from the cyclone’s impact.
The district administration has said that further decisions regarding school closure or additional safety measures will be taken after reviewing updated IMD forecasts. Officials are also urging citizens to follow real-time weather alerts and stay prepared for potential disruptions.
As Cyclone Ditwah continues to move closer to the Tamil Nadu coast, residents are encouraged to stay cautious and follow advisories issued by IMD and local authorities.
Chennai is expected to witness another spell of intense rainfall on December 1 as Cyclone Ditwah continues to build strength over the southeast Bay of Bengal. In response to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, the Chennai district administration has announced a holiday for all schools to ensure student safety amid the worsening weather conditions.
IMD Warns of Heavy Rain and Strong Winds
IMD’s most recent bulletin indicates that Cyclone Ditwah may lead to heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong gusty winds across Chennai and neighboring districts including Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur. The impact may intensify during the early hours of Friday, prompting authorities to adopt precautionary measures.
Meteorologists have indicated that the cyclone’s outer bands could cause sudden, intense showers, raising concerns over urban flooding, traffic disruptions, and water stagnation in vulnerable pockets of the city.
Administration Declares Holiday for Schools
Taking into account the safety of children and the unpredictable weather pattern, the district administration has ordered all government and private schools in Chennai to remain closed on December 1. The decision aims to avoid travel-related risks and reduce public movement during the peak period of rainfall.
Parents have been advised to ensure children stay indoors, as heavy rain may be accompanied by lightning in some regions.
Emergency Teams on Alert Across Chennai
The Greater Chennai Corporation, Disaster Management Authority, and police teams have been placed on high alert. Precautionary steps such as clearing drainage channels, monitoring low-lying regions, deploying pumps, and positioning emergency rescue units have already been initiated.
Helpline numbers have also been activated to assist residents in case of flooding or emergencies.
Further Alerts Expected
Officials noted that more announcements regarding closures or restrictions may follow depending on the cyclone’s trajectory and IMD’s updated forecasts. Residents are urged to keep track of real-time alerts and avoid unnecessary travel.
As Cyclone Ditwah moves closer to the Tamil Nadu coast, authorities continue to monitor its intensity and potential landfall impact.

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