Bhubaneswar, Nov 2: As severe cyclonic storm Murasu advances towards the south Andhra Pradesh coast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall in five districts of southern Odisha, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds across several parts of the state over the next three days.

As per the IMD's midday bulletin issued on Monday, isolated heavy rainfall is likely in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts on November 3 and 4.

Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, reaching up to 60 kmph, are also likely at isolated places in these districts, besides Puri, Khurda and Nayagarh. Several northern districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Kendrapara and Mayurbhanj, may also experience gusty winds of 30-40 kmph, reaching up to 50 kmph.

The cyclone was centred over the west-central Bay of Bengal at 8.30 am on Monday, around 160 km east-southeast of Nellore. Moving northwestwards at a speed of 22 kmph, it is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Ongole and Nellore, towards Narsapur, between late Monday night and early Tuesday morning. The IMD has forecast sustained wind speeds of 100-110 kmph during landfall, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.

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Meanwhile, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal and south Odisha coastal waters from Monday evening until the afternoon of November 4. Wind speeds along the south Odisha coast could reach 50-60 kmph, with gusts up to 70 kmph.

Rain and thunderstorm activity is expected to persist in parts of Odisha over the next few days. The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall at isolated places on November 5 and 6, while dry weather is likely to prevail across the state from November 8.