Cyclone Murasu Causes Heavy Rain in Chennai and Northern Tamil Nadu

Cyclone Murasu, a severe storm, brought heavy rain to northern parts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, starting from Sunday evening (November 1). The cyclone is moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast and is expected to make landfall between Monday night and early Tuesday. After this, rainfall in northern Tamil Nadu will decrease.

The cyclone’s outer bands caused strong rains in areas like Chennai and Tiruvallur on Monday. Some parts of Chennai, such as Kadapakkam and Parrys Corner, received over 15 cm of rain, while other places had around 13 cm. The rainfall continued intermittently as the cyclone moved closer to the coast.

From November 5 onwards, southern Tamil Nadu will face heavy rains due to strengthening monsoon winds. Districts like Theni and Dindigul are expected to receive heavy rain on November 5, while Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Ramanathapuram may see heavy rainfall until November 7.

Weather officials predict that more districts will experience rain by November 8, potentially making it a wet Deepavali. Cyclone Murasu is less intense than the previous storm, so the risk of storm surges is lower, but strong winds are still expected.

The Regional Meteorological Centre notes that rainfall activity may increase across Tamil Nadu from November 8 due to strengthening easterly waves. Despite El Niño possibly reducing cyclones in the Bay of Bengal this season, there have been two consecutive storms so far.

October cyclones usually hit Andhra Pradesh, but those forming in November and December can affect Tamil Nadu. More weather systems may form after mid-November, officials say.