**Cyclone Alert: New Storm Develops in Bay of Bengal**
As Cyclone Senyar weakens, a new storm is forming in the Bay of Bengal, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to advise coastal districts in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to remain vigilant. In a bulletin released on Thursday, the IMD reported that a depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the nearby Sri Lanka coast has intensified into a deep depression. The agency cautioned that this system is “very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm within 12 hours,” which will be named Cyclone Ditwah.
While the exact timing of landfall remains uncertain, the IMD anticipates heavy rainfall, strong winds reaching 80-90 km/h, and turbulent seas along the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh later this week. The system is expected to continue moving north-northwest across the southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjacent Sri Lanka region, with further intensification likely. Most forecasting models indicate that the weather system will remain in the same area for at least the next 24 hours before gaining strength.
A pre-cyclone watch (yellow message) is currently in effect for North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh. Officials have indicated that the storm is expected to track nearly parallel to the Sri Lanka coast before moving into the southwest Bay of Bengal off the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coastline by November 29.
Forecasters predict that the depression will oscillate around southeast Sri Lanka and its surrounding waters for the next two days before making a more definitive move toward the Indian coast. Meanwhile, Cyclonic Storm Senyar, which is currently active over the Strait of Malacca and parts of northeast Indonesia, is losing strength. The IMD has stated that Senyar will weaken into a deep depression and drift eastward, dissipating into a low-intensity system by Thursday evening.
Despite its diminished state, Senyar is expected to continue causing isolated heavy rainfall over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the coming days. Authorities in coastal states have advised fishermen to remain ashore and urged residents to stay updated as the Bay of Bengal prepares for a second storm in quick succession.
**FAQ**
**What should residents do in preparation for Cyclone Ditwah?**
Residents in affected coastal areas should stay informed through official updates, secure loose items, and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
