Cyclone Murasu Brings Heavy Rain to Chennai; Flights Cancelled, Schools Shut

Cyclone Murasu Chennai conditions worsened on Monday as heavy rain lashed the city and other parts of northern Tamil Nadu, leading to waterlogging, flight cancellations and the closure of schools.

The India Meteorological Department said Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu was positioned about 200 km east-northeast of Chennai at 5.30 am on November 2, after moving west-northwestwards across the Bay of Bengal.

The system is forecast to move northwestwards and cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, around midnight on November 2 to the early hours of November 3.

Chennai, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu Receive Heavy Rain

Several areas of Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts received persistent rainfall from Sunday night as the cyclone moved closer to the coast.

According to local rainfall observations cited by officials, Madhavaram received around 11 cm of rain, while Ennore Port and Nungambakkam recorded about 10 cm.

IMD has warned of very heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on November 2, along with thunderstorms, lightning and squally winds.

Chennai Airport Flights Affected

Adverse weather associated with Cyclone Murasu disrupted air travel at Chennai.

Airport authorities said some flights had been cancelled and advised passengers to contact their respective airlines for updated departure and arrival information before travelling to the airport.

The disruption came as rain, gusty winds and poor visibility affected transportation across parts of the city.

Schools Closed as Weather Warning Continues

Authorities declared a holiday for schools in Chennai as a precaution amid the heavy rainfall.

The IMD’s warning for northern Tamil Nadu remains in force as the severe cyclonic storm approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast.

An orange-level rainfall warning generally indicates conditions requiring authorities and residents to remain prepared for significant disruption from heavy to very heavy rain.

Minor Waterlogging Reported Across Chennai

Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner G. S. Sameeran said there had been no major citywide flooding but acknowledged water stagnation in some areas.

He said two of Chennai’s 22 subways experienced minor waterlogging, but the water was subsequently cleared and all subways remained open to traffic.

Corporation teams have deployed pumps and backup equipment in vulnerable locations to remove accumulated rainwater.

Civic Teams, Police Remain on Alert

The Greater Chennai Corporation said its field teams were working across vulnerable areas and coordinating with city police to manage traffic and respond to possible coastal flooding or wave-related hazards.

Officials said several rainfall-monitoring stations across Chennai had recorded heavy rain, with some northern parts of the city receiving very heavy rainfall.

Authorities were continuing to monitor low-lying areas and locations historically vulnerable to waterlogging.

Murasu to Cross Andhra Coast as Severe Cyclonic Storm

IMD said Murasu was likely to make landfall as a severe cyclonic storm with sustained winds of 100–110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph near Ongole.

The cyclone has prompted a Red Message for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts, with officials warning of heavy rain, strong winds and rough sea conditions.

The Cyclone Murasu Chennai impact is therefore expected to remain significant through Monday even though the storm’s primary landfall is forecast farther north along the Andhra Pradesh coast.