Cyclone Murasu heads for Andhra Pradesh coast as Tamil Nadu sees rain
Heavy rainfall has caused water stagnation in parts of Chennai as the severe cyclonic storm moves towards landfall.
Northern parts of Tamil Nadu have experienced heavy rainfall as Cyclone Murasu moves towards the south coastal Andhra Pradesh region, according to reports from Hindustan Times and Deccan Chronicle. The storm was positioned approximately 250-260 km from Chennai as of Monday morning.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the severe cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, between the midnight of November 2 and the early hours of November 3. Forecasts indicate wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.
In Chennai, the IMD has issued an orange alert for very heavy rainfall. Authorities have declared a holiday for schools in the city today, and Chennai Airport authorities reported that certain flights have been cancelled due to adverse weather.
Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner G S Sameeran said that while there is no major flooding, some minor water stagnation has occurred. He noted that two out of 22 subways faced minor waterlogging, but the water was cleared for traffic and all subways remain open.
Rainfall recorded over the last 24 hours included 11 cm in Madhavaram, 10 cm in Ennore Port, and 10 cm in Nungambakkam. The corporation has deployed field teams and pumps to manage vulnerable areas and is coordinating with the City Police Commissioner to manage traffic and potential coastal flooding.