Cyclone Murasu triggers heavy rain in Tamil Nadu; Cuddalore schools closed

Schools in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, remained closed on Tuesday as heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning, brought on by Cyclone Murasu, disrupted daily life across the district.

The Cuddalore District Collector announced the holiday for schools in Cuddalore taluk, covering Cuddalore town, Reddichavadi, Nellikuppam and nearby areas. Officials said the move was a precaution to keep students safe while the bad weather continues.

The Cuddalore District Collector announced the holiday for schools in Cuddalore taluk, covering Cuddalore town, Reddichavadi, Nellikuppam and nearby areas. Officials said the move was a precaution to keep students safe while the bad weather continues.

Cyclone Murasu formed over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. After strengthening into a severe cyclonic storm, it made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur. Its effects have extended to northern Tamil Nadu and neighbouring areas, bringing widespread rain and unsettled conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the cyclone, together with an atmospheric circulation over southern Kerala and adjoining regions, is likely to cause rain in several Tamil Nadu districts.

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On Tuesday, heavy rain is expected at one or two places in the Nilgiris, while moderate rain is forecast for Western Ghats districts, northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal.

Chennai and its suburbs can expect cloudy skies with moderate rain.

On Wednesday, interior Tamil Nadu may see moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning. Isolated heavy rain is likely in Theni and Dindigul on Thursday.

Cuddalore's weather worsened after intense thunderstorms and lightning hit several localities.

The district administration declared the holiday after reviewing the rainfall and the risks students would face travelling to school.

Authorities are keeping a close watch as the system moves inland and gradually weakens.

Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to stay alert during thunderstorms, avoid unnecessary travel on waterlogged roads and follow official weather advisories.

The IMD will continue to issue updates on rainfall intensity and the movement of the weakened system.