The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a heavy rainfall alert for Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district, warning of thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places over the next 24 hours, as severe cyclonic storm Murasu completed its landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast.
According to the IMD's Regional Meteorological Centre, Murasu crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday and is expected to move north-westwards. The weather system is forecast to weaken into a cyclonic storm, with wind speeds of 80-90 kmph, by Tuesday afternoon before further deteriorating into a deep depression by midnight.
The storm made landfall near Ongole in Andhra Pradesh during the early hours of Tuesday, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal areas. The IMD had forecast sustained wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph, during landfall.
Tamil Nadu steps up preparedness
The Tamil Nadu government has put contingency measures in place to minimise disruption to normal life as the cyclone brings heavy rainfall to northern parts of the state, including Chennai.
Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), based in Arakkonam, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) remain deployed across vulnerable areas of Tamil Nadu to respond to emergencies.
The IMD said Chennai had received 7.6 cm of rainfall as of Monday. Despite the downpour, 21 subways in the city remained free of inundation and were open to traffic.
Schools and colleges in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts were closed on Monday in view of the adverse weather conditions. The storm also disrupted air traffic, with 11 flights from Chennai to various destinations cancelled.
Chennai civic body receives complaints
The Greater Chennai Corporation received 237 complaints relating to water stagnation, 32 complaints about fallen trees and 133 concerning streetlights, officials said.
Civic authorities have been monitoring waterlogging and other weather-related disruptions as the city continues to experience heavy rainfall due to the cyclone.
Meanwhile, Murasu is expected to weaken progressively as it moves inland, first losing intensity to become a cyclonic storm before deteriorating into a deep depression by Tuesday midnight.