Chennai, Dec. 2 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a red alert for Tiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts in Tamil Nadu, as heavy rains from Cyclone Ditwah are expected to batter the state.

Issuing a red nowcast warning, IMD predicted heavy spells or more than 15 mm/hr accompanied by moderate Thunderstorms with maximum wind speed 40-60 kmph.

The IMD has called for a total suspension of fishing operations over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, along and off Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, south coastal Andhra Pradesh, north Sri Lanka, the Gulf of Mannar, and the Comorin area till this morning.

The Deep Depression (remnant of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah) over westcentral and adjo...