The Department of Meteorology has warned naval and fishing communities against venturing into several deep-sea and coastal areas as Cyclonic Storm Murasu intensifies over the Bay of Bengal.

The storm is expected to strengthen into a Severe Cyclonic Storm and move towards the South Andhra Pradesh coast, with landfall expected between Nellore and Narsapur from midnight today (2) to the early hours of tomorrow (3).

Communities have been advised to avoid deep-sea areas between 10°N–17°N and 80°E–90°E, as well as sea areas from Mannar to Trincomalee via Kankesanthurai, until further notice.

Those already at sea have been urged to move to safer locations. The Department has also warned of strong gusty winds and rough seas during thundershowers.