AMARAVATI: Severe cyclonic storm Murasu made landfall along the south coast of Andhra Pradesh near Ongole early Tuesday, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 120 kmph, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
According to the latest weather bulletin, a major portion of the storm’s wall cloud has already moved over land. The cyclone’s eye is entering the coastal region between Nellore and Narasapur, near Ongole. The landfall process is expected to continue for another two hours, the weather department said.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds have been reported in coastal areas, particularly around Kothapatnam Beach in Ongole. The landfall process began at around 1 am on Tuesday, with wind speeds ranging between 100 and 110 kmph. Gusts are occasionally reaching 120 kmph.
The IMD has warned that heavy rainfall is likely to continue across the southern coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh over the next 12 hours.
The department has also forecast a rise in sea levels, with waves expected to reach 1 to 1.5 metres above the normal tidal level until Tuesday morning. This could result in seawater entering low-lying coastal areas, raising concerns over possible flooding.
Coastal stretches in Bapatla, Krishna and Prakasam districts are likely to experience particularly rough sea conditions, the IMD warned.
The movement and intensity of the cyclone are being closely monitored through Doppler weather radars. The department has cautioned that adverse weather conditions are likely to persist along the coast.
Residents in vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions as the storm continues to move inland.
