Educational authorities have clarified the operational status of schools across Chennai and adjacent districts following weather disruptions caused by Cyclone Murasu. Heavy rain that began late Sunday and continued into Monday had prompted the district administrations of Chennai and Tiruvallur to announce a precautionary one-day closure of schools and colleges on Monday, November 2. As skies shifted on Tuesday, November 3, clarity emerged regarding regular classes.
Administrative Stance on Tuesday School Closures
The Chennai district administration has not issued any blanket holiday notification for schools on Tuesday, November 3. Unless a district collector releases a specific countermanding directive, institutions are expected to run regular academic schedules. However, where waterlogging persists or localised heavy downpours continue, individual school managements and local administrative bodies retain the discretion to take situational decisions.
Status Across Neighbouring Districts and Coastal Belts
The operational scenario across surrounding zones reflects varying degrees of cyclone impact
- Chennai and Tiruvallur: No centralised public holiday stands declared for Tuesday; individual school boards and headmasters will evaluate local conditions to decide on opening.
- Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram: Everyday routines are gradually recovering in these districts, with schools anticipated to function as per routine.
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh: In zones adjacent to the core landfall track, including Nellore, Bapatla, and Narsapur, regional administrations have enforced closures for schools and colleges as a protective precaution.
Cyclone Murasu's Impact on Transport and Infrastructure
Although the primary eye of Cyclone Murasu directed its trajectory towards the coastal sectors of Andhra Pradesh, notably Nellore and Narsapur, outer cloud bands brought significant rain and wind gusts across northern coastal Tamil Nadu. Northern neighbourhoods of Chennai witnessed the heaviest precipitation. Urban drainage systems faced strain, with 2 of the city's 22 subways shut down due to accumulated water, causing route diversions. Low visibility and elevated wind velocities at Chennai airport similarly disrupted flight schedules.
Forecast and Weather Alerts
Intense rainfall advisories, including Orange and Red alerts, were active on Monday across Chennai and Tiruvallur, which justified the preventive shutdown of campuses. For Tuesday, November 3, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) projects a reduction in precipitation intensity, providing conditions for a return to regular city operations.
