Cyclone Murasu: Orange Alert for Chennai and Tiruvallur; Heavy Rain Expected – Will Schools Declare Holiday?

Following the onset of the Northeast Monsoon, the Bay of Bengal has witnessed the formation of two cyclonic storms. The first storm, named Arnab, formed on October 25. Although it did not significantly affect Tamil Nadu, it brought heavy rainfall to Andhra Pradesh, with several places recording more than 25 cm of rain.

Now, the second storm, Cyclone Murasu, has intensified into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, raising concerns about heavy rainfall and strong winds across Tamil Nadu.

Cyclone Murasu: Expected Landfall on November 3

Cyclone Murasu is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur on November 3, accompanied by strong winds.

The approaching system is likely to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to several districts of Tamil Nadu. The Chennai Meteorological Centre has issued an Orange Alert for selected districts.

Orange Alert for Chennai and Tiruvallur

Heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds of 40–50 kmph, is expected at isolated places in Tiruvallur district today.

Similar weather conditions are likely in isolated parts of Chennai, Ranipet, Kancheepuram and the Nilgiris districts.

Residents are advised to remain cautious, particularly in areas vulnerable to waterlogging and strong winds.

Rainfall Expected in 17 Districts from Tomorrow Morning

According to the Chennai Meteorological Centre, moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds of 40–50 kmph is likely in isolated areas of several districts.

The rainfall warning covers Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, Erode, Tiruppur, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari, along with districts bordering the Western Ghats and Puducherry.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Weatherman Pradeep John has indicated that rainfall is likely to begin in the Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu (KTCC) districts from tomorrow morning.

Rain Warning for 17 Districts Until 10 PM

The Chennai Meteorological Centre has also issued a short-term rainfall warning for 17 districts, forecasting rain during the next three hours, until 10 PM tonight.

The districts covered are Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Dharmapuri, Kanyakumari, Krishnagiri, Pudukkottai, Ranipet, Nilgiris, Tirunelveli, Tirupattur, Vellore, Madurai, Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai.

Will Schools in Chennai Get a Holiday Tomorrow?

With an Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall issued for Chennai and Tiruvallur, school students and parents are eagerly awaiting an announcement regarding a possible holiday tomorrow.

Rain is already being reported in several parts of Chennai. If heavy rainfall continues overnight or intensifies during the early morning hours, district administrations may consider declaring a holiday for schools.

However, no school holiday should be considered confirmed until an official announcement is issued by the respective district Collectors.

Cyclone Murasu: What Residents Should Watch

As Cyclone Murasu approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast, Tamil Nadu may experience changing weather conditions, including thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Residents of Chennai and neighbouring districts should follow official weather bulletins and district administration announcements for the latest rainfall warnings and school holiday updates.