Cyclone Murasu weakens into depression

Cyclone Murasu intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur. The storm brought winds of 120 kmph and caused widespread rainfall across northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. In Cuddalore, authorities declared a one day holiday for schools as a precautionary measure against heavy rainfall and lightning.

The system subsequently weakened into a depression over east Telangana and coastal Andhra Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department predicted the system would further weaken into a low pressure area. The storm impacted transportation, resulting in the temporary suspension of train services on the Vijayawada, Ongole, and Gudur railway route, affecting 29 trains.

As the remnants of the storm continue to decline, the India Meteorological Department expects the system to transition into a well-marked low-pressure area. Despite the loss of intensity, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are forecast for several southern and central Indian states. Yellow alerts have been issued for coastal Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with rainfall potentially reaching 115.5mm.

In Tamil Nadu, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in districts including Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, and Sivaganga. The Regional Meteorological Centre also warned of light to moderate rain in ten other districts, such as Vellore and Kancheepuram, noting risks of waterlogging and slippery roads. Separately, a western disturbance is expected to bring rain to Himalayan regions, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir, with possible snowfall at higher elevations.