There is a possibility of a cyclone forming in the Bay of Bengal on Sunday (Nov. 1), and it will be named “Murasu,” the Tamil word recommended by India, said V. R. Durai, head of the Southern Region of the Meteorological Department.
This year’s northeast monsoon began in Tamil Nadu on Oct. 15. The first cyclone of the year, ‘Arnab’, formed on Oct. 26. The cyclone continued to intensify and made landfall near Yanam between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of Oct. 28. At that time, strong winds blew at speeds of 115 to 125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph at intervals. As a result, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha experienced heavy rain, flooding, and severe damage.
In this situation, there is a possibility of another cyclone forming in the Bay of Bengal on Sunday (Nov. 1), said V.R. Thurai, head of the Southern Region of the Meteorological Department. He told reporters on Saturday:
The low-pressure area that prevailed over the southern Andaman Sea (cyclonic precursor) moved west-northwest and intensified into a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday. This cyclonic precursor further moved west-northwest and strengthened into a depression. Subsequently, it is expected to intensify into a cyclone on Sunday (Nov. 1) afternoon.
This storm is also likely to move west-northwest and cross the coast near the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh in the central-western Bay of Bengal on Monday evening (Nov. 2). If it intensifies into a cyclone, it will be named “Murasu,” the Tamil word recommended by India, he said.
It is noteworthy that “Murasu,” beyond being a musical instrument, was used in the days of kings to announce important news, proclamations, declarations of war, and warnings to the people.
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Rain warning in Tamil Nadu
In a press release issued by the Chennai Meteorological Centre on Saturday, it said that northern coastal Tamil Nadu districts, the Western Ghats districts, and the districts of Madurai, Tiruchi, Namakkal, Salem, Erode, and Karur, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal, are likely to receive moderate rain with thunder and lightning on Sunday (Nov. 1). A ‘yellow’ alert has been issued as heavy rain is likely in the Nilgiris and Tiruvallur districts on Nov. 2.
Heavy rain is also likely in Cuddalore and Villupuram districts, as well as in Puducherry, on Nov. 3. Chennai and suburban areas are likely to receive moderate rain with thunder and lightning on Sunday (Nov. 1).
Warning for fishermen: Until Nov. 1, strong winds may blow at speeds of 60 km/h along the northern Tamil Nadu coastal areas and 100 km/h in the Bay of Bengal. As a result, fishermen have been advised not to go fishing in those areas.
