Cyclone Murasu to hit Andhra Pradesh coast with 120 kmph winds
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur by early Tuesday morning.
Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu is approaching the eastern coastline of India, bringing the threat of high-speed winds and intense rain to Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and nearby states, according to reports from India Today and The New Indian Express.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the system is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, between midnight on Monday, November 2, and the early hours of Tuesday, November 3. During landfall, sustained wind speeds may reach 100-110 kmph, with gusts hitting 120 kmph.
In Chennai, heavy rainfall has already caused waterlogging in several areas. Madhavaram recorded 11 cm of rain, while Ennore Port and Nungambakkam each received 10 cm over the 24 hours ending Monday morning. Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner G S Sameeran said that while two subways faced minor waterlogging, all remained open and the water was cleared for traffic.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh is expected to face significant rainfall on November 2 and 3, with some areas potentially seeing extremely heavy showers. Rayalaseema and Telangana are also forecast to experience increased rainfall intensity. In Odisha, the IMD has issued an orange warning for five southern districts, including Ganjam and Gajapati, for heavy to very heavy rain on November 3 and 4.
In Andhra Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan held a review meeting with officials to ensure preparedness, noting that the state is still recovering from the impact of Cyclone Arnab. The IMD will continue to monitor the cyclone using Doppler Weather Radars at Chennai, Machilipatnam, and Visakhapatnam.