Cyclone Murasu is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to Chennai and Thiruvallur over the next 24 hours as the severe storm tracks towards the South Andhra Pradesh coast, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai said on Monday. The system is expected to make landfall around midnight between Nellore and Narsapur, while its outer rain bands continue to affect northern Tamil Nadu.
RMC Chennai Director V R Durai urged people in northern Tamil Nadu to remain on high alert through the night as the cyclone moves closer to the Andhra Pradesh coast. The warning covers Chennai and Thiruvallur, where continuous heavy to very heavy rain is expected during the storm’s approach.
The weather office also forecast heavy rainfall in Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Ranipet, Vellore and the Nilgiris districts. Rainfall intensity is expected to reduce gradually only after the storm has completely crossed the coast, according to the forecast cited in the report.
The storm’s core is tracking northwestward towards the Andhra Pradesh coastline. Although major sea surges are unlikely, the RMC has warned of rough seas and squally winds along the north coastal Tamil Nadu waters. Winds are expected to peak at up to 80 km/h.
The coastal warning has direct implications for fishing activity, with fishermen advised against venturing into the north coastal Tamil Nadu waters while the system remains close to the coast. The combination of heavy rain and strong winds could also disrupt movement and routine activity in the affected districts, although the report did not provide details of any closures or transport restrictions.
The RMC’s forecast indicates that the most immediate risk for Chennai and Thiruvallur will come from the cyclone’s outer rain bands rather than a direct landfall over the city. Authorities and residents in the affected parts of northern Tamil Nadu have been advised to remain alert until the system crosses the coast and rainfall conditions begin to ease.
