Cyclone Murasu threatens Odisha with heavy rain
The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange warning for five southern districts as the system moves towards the Andhra Pradesh coast.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange warning for five southern districts in Odisha, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall on November 3 and 4.
Cyclone Murasu is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal on Monday. The system is predicted to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narasapur by the morning of November 3, with wind speeds reaching 100-110 kmph and gusts up to 120 kmph.
While the cyclone is not expected to make direct landfall in Odisha, its movement towards the south Andhra Pradesh coast is likely to cause widespread rainfall and thunderstorms. The IMD has also issued a yellow warning for rain and thunderstorms in 16 districts.
On Monday, southern Odisha may see light to moderate rain, with Ganjam and Gajapati districts potentially receiving 7 cm to 12 cm of rainfall at isolated spots. Heavy rainfall is also forecast for Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khordha and Puri on November 3.
On November 4, heavy rain is expected in Nuapada, Nayagarh, Puri, Khordha, Bolangir and Bargarh, alongside the five districts under the orange warning. Rainfall activity is expected to decline from November 5, with intensity reducing on November 6 and 7.
The IMD has advised people to monitor weather updates, seek shelter during thunderstorms to avoid lightning, and follow urban traffic advisories.