The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday night downgraded the Red Alert issued for four districts of Tamil Nadu after the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal weakened. The storm’s movement has slowed considerably, reducing its intensity, and it is expected to take another 12 hours to intensify into a cyclonic storm.The IMD revised its warnings for the coastal districts of Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, as well as Karaikal in Puducherry, which were earlier under a Red Alert for extremely heavy rainfall. The warning has now been downgraded to heavy to very heavy rainfall, indicating a less severe weather event.
The cyclone’s slow movement is the main factor behind the downgrade. Initially moving at a speed of 13 km/h, the cyclone’s pace has now dropped to just 3 km/h, which has led to a change in the weather warnings. As the system moves slowly, the threat of widespread damage from intense rainfall and winds has diminished. The cyclone is expected to weaken further when it reaches the north Tamil Nadu coast by the morning of November 30.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and precautions are still in place, especially in the affected coastal areas. The IMD has advised residents to remain cautious and follow local weather updates.