Cyclone Murasu Approaches Andhra Pradesh Coast with 120 kmph Gusts Expected

Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu is moving northwestward across the west-central Bay of Bengal and is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, south of Ongole, between 2330 IST on 2 November and 0400 IST on 3 November.

The India Meteorological Department placed the storm near 14.2°N 81.1°E at midday on 2 November, roughly 120 km east-southeast of Nellore. Sustained winds near the center were estimated at 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph. The system has moved west-northwest at about 14 kmph in recent hours.

IMD forecasts a storm surge of 1.5-2.0 meters above astronomical tide along low-lying stretches of south coastal Andhra Pradesh, with peak values expected over Bapatla, Krishna, and Prakasam districts. Extremely heavy rainfall is likely in isolated places over coastal Andhra Pradesh on 2-3 November, with heavy falls also possible in parts of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Odisha.

Schools and colleges in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts were closed on Monday. Authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have coordinated response plans. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu spoke with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on mitigation steps. Several flights at Chennai and Gannavaram airports were cancelled.

Murasu is the second cyclonic system to affect the east coast in less than a week, following Cyclone Arnab. Disaster management agencies have prepared evacuation routes and shelters. Satellite imagery shows organized convection and spiral bands.

The Bay of Bengal remains active in the post-monsoon period. Systems that intensify over warm waters can reach severe cyclonic storm strength before landfall. Murasu's track keeps it south of the most densely populated northern coastal stretches, but districts around Nellore, Kavali, and Ongole face the highest wind and surge risk.

Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to move to safer ground. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea. Power utilities and road departments are on standby for outages and blockages once the system makes landfall and weakens inland.

IMD issues regular bulletins with updated positions and warnings. The red message cyclone warning remains in effect for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts. After landfall, the system is expected to turn north and then north-northeast as it interacts with an approaching upper-level trough, bringing residual rain farther inland before dissipating.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh has experienced multiple cyclones in recent decades. Preparedness measures have improved, but storm surge and heavy rain still pose the primary threats to life and property in low-elevation zones. The next 24 hours will determine how closely the actual landfall point matches the current forecast corridor between Nellore and Narsapur.