Amaravati, Nov 3: Severe cyclonic storm Murasu, which brought torrential rainfall to several parts of Andhra Pradesh, has weakened into a cyclonic storm over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Tuesday.
According to the IMD, Cyclone Murasu moved north-northwestwards at a speed of 7 kmph during the six hours ending at 2:30 pm on November 3. The weather system subsequently weakened into a cyclonic storm while moving across the region.
At 2:30 pm, the cyclone was located approximately 40 km west-northwest of Bapatla, 60 km north of Ongole, 80 km southwest of Vijayawada, 120 km north of Kavali and 110 km west of Machilipatnam.
The storm was generating maximum sustained winds of 80–90 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 100 kmph.
Cyclone Murasu Expected to Weaken Further
The IMD has forecast that Cyclone Murasu will continue moving north-northwestwards and weaken into a deep depression by midnight on November 3. At that stage, wind speeds are expected to reduce to 55–65 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 75 kmph.
Despite its weakening, the weather system is expected to bring significant rainfall across Andhra Pradesh.
The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall at most places, with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few locations. Extremely heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated places on November 3.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at isolated locations on November 4 as well.
Bapatla Records 22 cm Rainfall
Earlier on Tuesday, the eye of severe cyclonic storm Murasu crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast at around 5:30 am, according to the Meteorological Department.
Several coastal districts received heavy rainfall under the influence of the cyclone. Bapatla recorded the highest rainfall of 22 cm in the 24 hours ending Tuesday, followed by Narasapur with 20 cm.
Other areas also experienced significant rainfall, with Karamchedu recording 16 cm, Addanki 15 cm and Bhimavaram 13 cm.
Although Cyclone Murasu has weakened, the IMD’s continued rainfall warning indicates that several parts of Andhra Pradesh may experience adverse weather conditions over the next 24 hours. Residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas are advised to follow official weather alerts and safety instructions.
