Cyclone Murasu threatens Tamil Nadu: Schools and Colleges shut in Chennai, Tiruvallur
Authorities in Chennai and Tiruvallur have declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Monday, November 2, as Cyclone Murasu approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast, raising concerns over heavy rainfall in northern Tamil Nadu.
The Regional Meteorological Centre has placed Chennai and Tiruvallur under an orange alert, warning that very heavy rain could affect the districts. The India Meteorological Department has also forecast widespread rainfall across northern Tamil Nadu over the next two days.
With the cyclone advancing, the state government has directed district collectors to intensify preparedness efforts and ensure that emergency response systems remain operational.
The Revenue Administration and Disaster Management Department has instructed officials to keep administrative teams ready, follow established disaster response protocols and immediately communicate any serious incidents to the State Emergency Operations Centre.
According to the IMD’s Sunday night bulletin, the cyclone was moving west-northwestwards at around 27 kmph over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal.
The system was positioned approximately 480 km east-southeast of Chennai on Sunday afternoon, with its centre also located several hundred kilometres from the Andhra Pradesh coastline.
Meteorologists expect Murasu to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday morning.
The system is forecast to move towards the south Andhra Pradesh coast and cross between Nellore and Narsapur during the late hours of November 2 or early November 3.
Wind speeds during landfall could reach 100-110 kmph, with gusts potentially touching 120 kmph.
The orange alert for Chennai and Tiruvallur on November 2 signals the possibility of rainfall between 12 cm and 20 cm within 24 hours.
A yellow alert has also been issued for Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet and the Nilgiris for November 1, with rainfall of 7-11 cm expected.