Authorities in Chennai and key districts of Tamil Nadu have announced the closure of all schools and colleges on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, as a precautionary response to a severe weather warning. The decision comes after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert, forecasting intense rainfall linked to the remnants of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah.
IMD's Red Alert and District-Wide Precaution
The India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) raised the alarm on Monday, December 1, 2025. The agency issued a "Red Nowcast" warning specifically for Chennai and Thiruvallur districts. This highest-level alert is associated with a deep depression—the lingering system of Cyclone Ditwah—positioned over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, as well as North Tamil Nadu and South Andhra Pradesh coasts.
Acting on this critical forecast, the district collectors of Chennai, Thiruvallur, and Kancheepuram took swift action. They declared a holiday for all educational institutions within their jurisdictions for Tuesday. This proactive measure aims to ensure public safety, particularly for students, by preventing unnecessary travel during what is expected to be a period of extremely heavy and potentially disruptive rainfall.
Understanding the Cyclone Ditwah System
While the cyclonic storm has weakened into a deep depression, its impact remains significant for coastal Tamil Nadu. Weather systems of this nature, even in a diminished state, can unleash torrential downpours, strong winds, and lead to waterlogging and flooding in low-lying areas. The IMD's warning indicates that the affected regions should brace for heavy to very heavy rainfall spells throughout the day.
The timing of the alert and the subsequent administrative decisions highlight the improved disaster preparedness protocols in the state. The use of precise nowcasting—short-term weather forecasts for immediate hours—allows local authorities to make timely calls to mitigate risks to life and property.
Public Advisory and Looking Ahead
Residents in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and neighboring areas are advised to exercise extreme caution. The public has been urged to:
- Avoid venturing out unnecessarily, especially near water bodies and in coastal zones.
- Stay updated with the latest bulletins from the IMD and local disaster management authorities.
- Check for traffic advisories and possible disruptions to public transport services.
- Secure loose outdoor objects and avoid parking under old trees or unstable structures.
The collective holiday for educational institutes serves as a primary step to reduce movement and keep people indoors. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates from the IMD will dictate the course of action for the coming days. The focus remains squarely on minimizing disruption and ensuring the safety of all citizens as the region weathers the impact of Cyclone Ditwah's remnants.
