IMD issues orange alert for north Tamil Nadu as cyclone approaches
Cyclonic storm Murasu is predicted to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast late on Monday night.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several north Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Vellore and the Nilgiris. According to The New Indian Express, cyclonic storm Murasu is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm before making landfall on the south Andhra Pradesh coast late on Monday night.
The cyclone was reported to be located approximately 480 km east-southeast of Chennai over the Bay of Bengal on Sunday. The IMD stated that the system is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify by Monday morning, eventually turning northwestwards to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, between 11.30 pm on Monday and 4 am on Tuesday.
During landfall, the cyclone may bring sustained wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. On Monday, north Tamil Nadu districts and ghat areas could see heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Schools and colleges in Chennai and Tiruvallur will remain closed on Monday due to the rainfall forecast.
Squally winds between 55-65 kmph, gusting to 75 kmph, are forecast for several locations including Puducherry and Tiruvannamalai. On Tuesday, the IMD expects heavy rain in the Nilgiris, while other parts of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry may see moderate rain at isolated spots.
In the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Sunday, Coonoor in the Nilgiris recorded the highest rainfall at 69.7 mm. Light to moderate rain is expected across the state for the remainder of the week.