Chennai, 02 Nov (H.S.): Cyclone Murasu intensified over the Bay of Bengal early on Monday, triggering weather warnings in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with heavy rain forecast across northern Tamil Nadu ahead of its expected landfall on Tuesday.

According to the India Meteorological Department, the system developed from a deep depression over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. It subsequently strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm and is expected to cross the southern Andhra Pradesh coast in the early hours of November 3.

The weather department warned of wind speeds reaching 80–90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph. The fresh threat comes days after Cyclone Arnab reportedly caused extensive damage in Andhra Pradesh.

Chennai and Tiruvallur have been placed under an orange alert, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected. Schools in both districts were declared closed on Monday as a precaution. Four other Tamil Nadu districts are under a yellow alert.

Fishing along the Tamil Nadu coast has been prohibited until Wednesday morning. Fishermen already at sea have been advised to return immediately, while the public has been urged to avoid visiting beaches as the storm approaches the coast.

At 2.30 a.m. on Monday, the cyclone was centred approximately 260 km east-northeast of Chennai and 290 km east-southeast of Nellore, according to the weather department.

Its position was also recorded around 320 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 310 km east-southeast of Kavali, 330 km southeast of Ongole and 470 km south of Visakhapatnam.

The forecast places southern Andhra Pradesh in the path of the approaching storm, while northern Tamil Nadu faces heavy rainfall associated with the system.

The school closures, fishing restrictions and beach advisory form part of precautionary measures announced as the two neighbouring states prepare for deteriorating weather ahead of the cyclone’s anticipated landfall early on Tuesday morning.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman