Storm Murasu turns severe over Bay of Bengal

UPDATE - follow-up to 'Murasu' strengthens into Severe Cyclonic Storm: Cyclonic Storm Murasu intensified into a severe system over the West Central and Southwest Bay of Bengal during the early hours of Monday.

Current Position

Observations by the IMD at 2:30 a.m. placed the storm about 260 km east-northeast of Chennai, 290 km east-southeast of Nellore, 320 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 310 km east-southeast of Kavali, 330 km southeast of Ongole, and 470 km south of Vishakhapatnam.

Path And Impact

The system is expected to keep moving northwest and cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole. Wind speeds during the crossing could reach 100 to 110 kmph with gusts up to 120 kmph. Rainfall started in parts of the State by 6 a.m.

Rainfall Alerts

Authorities issued an extremely heavy rainfall alert for five districts: Eluru, Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, and SPSR Nellore. Very heavy rainfall is likely on Monday in NTR, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Palnadu, Chittoor, and Tirupati.

Context

Severe cyclonic storms bring strong winds and heavy downpours that can disrupt power, damage homes, and flood low-lying coastal areas. Emergency teams usually prepare relief centers and deploy rescue personnel before such systems make landfall.