Cyclone Murasu has moved inland and weakened, but its effect on Tamil Nadu's weather is not over. The rain is now expected away from the coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in Theni and Coimbatore districts on Wednesday and in Madurai, Theni and Dindigul on Thursday. The western and southern parts of the state, especially the districts near the Western Ghats, are the main areas of concern.

How the storm moved

Murasu was a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal on November 2. According to the weather department, it moved north-northwest and made landfall between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, between 3.30 a.m. and 5.30 a.m. on November 3.

After crossing the coast, it kept moving north-northwest and slowly lost strength. It first weakened into a cyclonic storm and then into a deep depression as it moved further inland. The system had earlier posed a threat to the coastal areas of both Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, so its weakening is a big relief for those areas.

However, the weather conditions linked to the storm are expected to keep bringing rain to several parts of Tamil Nadu over the next two days.

Why the hills get the heaviest rain

The forecast points away from the coast and towards the hill districts. The IMD has said the rain will be concentrated in western and southern Tamil Nadu, particularly in districts next to the Western Ghats. In these areas, local weather conditions can make the showers heavier than elsewhere.

That is why Theni appears in the heavy-rain forecast on both days. Coimbatore is on the list for Wednesday, and Madurai and Dindigul are added on Thursday. Other parts of the state are expected to get light to moderate rain on Wednesday and moderate rain on Thursday.

In Chennai, the sky is expected to stay partly cloudy, with moderate rain likely in some parts of the city. The weather department has said the amount of rain may differ from one area to another depending on local conditions.

What residents should keep in mind

Meteorological officials have warned that a cyclone breaking up does not mean the rain linked to it ends right away. For districts expecting heavy showers, the next 48 hours still matter.

People living in vulnerable, low-lying areas have been advised to keep checking the latest weather bulletins. The IMD will continue to track conditions and issue district-wise rain forecasts as the system weakens further over land.

Most of the danger to the coast has passed, but the inland districts still need to stay prepared until the rain eases.

(With inputs from IANS)