Chennai:
Schools and colleges in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts will remain closed on Monday as a precautionary measure in view of Cyclone Murasu and the heavy rainfall warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued an orange alert for Chennai and Tiruvallur, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, with the possibility of 12-20 cm of rain in 24 hours.
According to the IMD, The system is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm on Monday morning.
It is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur between 11.30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.
The RMC has also issued yellow alerts for Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore and the Nilgiris for November 2. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are likely in several parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Meanwhile, the Revenue Administration and Disaster Management Department has directed district collectors across Tamil Nadu to remain on high alert, activate precautionary measures and strictly follow disaster management standard operating procedures. Collectors have also been instructed to immediately report any untoward incidents to the State Emergency Operations Centre.