Cyclone Murasu: Heavy Rain Alert for Chennai and Northern Tamil Nadu on November 2 and 3

Cyclone Murasu is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall to Chennai and northern Tamil Nadu on November 2 and 3, according to weather experts.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has issued an orange alert for Chennai and Tiruvallur districts. The Tamil Nadu Disaster Risk Reduction Agency has also directed district collectors to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures.

Cyclone Murasu Forecast and Landfall

According to the RMC, Cyclone Murasu is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday morning.

The storm is expected to recurve and cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur between 11:30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3.

The cyclone may bring sustained wind speeds of 100–110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. Chennai and Tiruvallur are likely to experience thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds under its influence.

Chennai Rain Alert: District-Wise Forecast

The weather department has forecast the following rainfall activity:

November 2: Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Chennai and Tiruvallur.

November 2: Heavy rainfall likely in Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore and the Nilgiris.

November 3: Isolated heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is likely in the Nilgiris.

The intensity of rainfall is expected to decrease on November 3.

Yellow and Orange Rainfall Alerts Explained

The India Meteorological Department classifies rainfall warnings based on expected rainfall amounts:

Yellow Alert: Heavy rainfall of 70–110 mm in 24 hours.

Orange Alert: Very heavy rainfall, with amounts potentially reaching 200 mm in 24 hours.

Residents in affected districts are advised to monitor official weather updates and take necessary precautions.

Tamil Nadu District Collectors on High Alert

Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Revenue Administration and Disaster Management B. Chandramohan has instructed district collectors to mobilise administrative machinery and implement precautionary measures immediately.

Emergency response teams and district authorities have been directed to maintain strict vigilance and report incidents promptly to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) to facilitate rescue and relief operations.

Fishermen Advised to Avoid the Sea

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until the morning of November 4. Those already fishing in deep waters h have been instructed to return to the nearest harbour or coast immediately.

Residents are also advised to:

- Avoid beaches and coastal roads during severe weather.

- Stay away from waterlogged underpasses.

- Keep away from fallen power lines.

- Follow official weather and disaster management advisories.

Cyclone Murasu and Rainfall Across Tamil Nadu

Weather blogger Pradeep John, popularly known as Tamil Nadu Weatherman, said Cyclone Arnab had disrupted easterly winds, resulting in dry weather in northern Tamil Nadu and other parts of the State.

However, Cyclone Murasu has not disrupted the easterly winds. With the storm expected to make landfall near Nellore, rainfall activity is likely to continue across Tamil Nadu over the next few days.

Residents are advised to remain alert and follow updates from the Regional Meteorological Centre and Tamil Nadu disaster management authorities.