Cyclone Murasu: Schools shut in Cuddalore as heavy rain lashes Tamil Nadu
Synopsis
Cyclone Murasu crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur and pushed heavy rain into northern Tamil Nadu, forcing Cuddalore to shut schools on Tuesday. With the IMD flagging continued heavy spells through Thursday — including in Nilgiris, Theni and Dindigul — the storm's inland weakening has not ended the region's weather risk.
Key Takeaways
Cyclone Murasu made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur as a severe cyclonic storm.
The Cuddalore District Collector declared a school holiday on Tuesday, 3 November covering Cuddalore taluk , including Reddichavadi and Nellikuppam .
The IMD forecast heavy rainfall in the Nilgiris on Tuesday, with moderate rain expected across northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal .
Theni and Dindigul districts face isolated heavy rainfall on Thursday .
Chennai is likely to see moderate rainfall and cloudy skies through the day.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to avoid waterlogged roads and follow official weather advisories.
Cyclone Murasu brought heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning to northern Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, prompting the Cuddalore District Collector to declare a school holiday across the district as adverse weather disrupted normal life. The severe cyclonic storm made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, crossing between Nellore and Narsapur, before its influence spread southward into Tamil Nadu and neighbouring regions.
School Holiday and District Response
The school closure order, issued by the Cuddalore District Collector, covers all schools in Cuddalore taluk, including localities such as Cuddalore town, Reddichavadi and Nellikuppam. The precautionary measure was taken after intense thunderstorms and lightning struck several parts of the district, making student travel to educational institutions a safety risk. District authorities are closely monitoring the evolving weather situation as the cyclonic system moves inland and gradually weakens.
How the Cyclone Formed and Where It Struck
Cyclone Murasu developed over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal before intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm. It crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, bringing widespread rainfall and unsettled conditions to northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal and adjoining areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that the cyclone's impact, compounded by an atmospheric circulation over southern Kerala and adjoining areas, is likely to sustain rainfall across multiple Tamil Nadu districts in the coming days.
IMD Rainfall Forecast for Tamil Nadu
According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is expected at one or two places in the Nilgiris district on Tuesday. Moderate rainfall is forecast for parts of the Western Ghats districts, northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. Chennai and its surrounding suburban areas are likely to experience moderate rainfall through the day with predominantly cloudy skies. By Wednesday, interior Tamil Nadu districts may receive moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Theni and Dindigul districts face the prospect of heavy rainfall at isolated places on Thursday.
Safety Advisories for Residents
Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain cautious during thunderstorms, avoid unnecessary travel on waterlogged roads and adhere to official weather advisories. The IMD is expected to continue issuing updates on rainfall intensity and the movement of the weakened cyclonic system over the coming days. This comes amid a broader pattern of Bay of Bengal cyclones making landfall on the Andhra Pradesh–Tamil Nadu coast during the northeast monsoon season, with Cuddalore historically among the more vulnerable coastal districts.
Point of View
And Cuddalore in particular, sits squarely in the spray zone of every Bay of Bengal system that tracks this corridor. The school closure is the right call, but the broader question is infrastructure readiness: waterlogging on Cuddalore's roads and the reliability of early-warning dissemination at the taluk level have been recurring concerns. The IMD's multi-day heavy-rain outlook for Nilgiris, Theni and Dindigul suggests the story is far from over, and district administrations in those areas should not wait for a Cuddalore-style situation before acting.
NationPress
3 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cyclone Murasu and where did it make landfall?
Cyclone Murasu is a severe cyclonic storm that developed over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal and made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur. Its influence has spread heavy rainfall and unsettled weather across northern Tamil Nadu and neighbouring regions.
Why are schools closed in Cuddalore on 3 November 2026?
The Cuddalore District Collector declared a school holiday on Tuesday, 3 November after intense thunderstorms, lightning and persistent heavy rainfall — triggered by Cyclone Murasu — made student travel unsafe. The closure covers all schools in Cuddalore taluk, including Cuddalore town, Reddichavadi and Nellikuppam.
What is the IMD rainfall forecast for Tamil Nadu in the coming days?
The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall at one or two places in the Nilgiris on Tuesday, moderate rain for northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, and isolated heavy spells in Theni and Dindigul on Thursday. Interior Tamil Nadu districts may also experience moderate rainfall with thunderstorms on Wednesday.
Is Chennai expected to be affected by Cyclone Murasu?
Chennai and its surrounding suburban areas are likely to experience moderate rainfall and cloudy skies on Tuesday, according to the IMD. The city is not expected to face the severe conditions hitting Cuddalore, but residents are advised to follow official weather updates.
What precautions have authorities advised for residents?
Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious during thunderstorms, avoid unnecessary travel on waterlogged roads and follow official IMD advisories. The district administration is closely monitoring the situation as the cyclonic system moves inland and weakens.
