Cyclone Murasu Intensifies, Set to Cross South Andhra Coast as Severe Storm

Cyclonic storm Murasu moved west-northwest at 25 kmph and lay centered at 1730 IST on 1 November 2026 near 12.7°N, 84.1°E, roughly 420 km east-southeast of Chennai and 530 km southeast of Ongole. The India Meteorological Department expects it to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by early hours of 2 November before tracking northwest to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, from midnight of the 2nd to early hours of the 3rd.

Sustained winds at landfall are forecast at 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph. Storm surge of 1.0-1.5 metres above astronomical tide is likely to inundate low-lying areas of south coastal Andhra Pradesh. Squally weather and rough to very rough seas are already affecting coastal districts, with local cautionary signals hoisted at Krishnapatnam, Machilipatnam, Nizampatnam and Vadarevu ports.

Odisha has placed southern districts on high alert, while Andhra Pradesh authorities have begun preparations for heavy rain, potential flooding and disruption to power and transport. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the west-central and northwest Bay of Bengal or south Odisha coast from 2 to 4 November. The system is not expected to threaten West Bengal or Myanmar coasts at this stage.

Murasu is the second named cyclone of the 2026 North Indian Ocean season after Arnab, which made landfall earlier in late October. The rapid organisation follows favourable sea-surface temperatures and low wind shear. Track guidance remains consistent across models, with landfall confidence high. Intensity forecasts show a peak near 110-130 kmph before weakening over land.

Coastal Andhra districts including Prakasam, Nellore and parts of Krishna and Guntur face the highest risk of extremely heavy rainfall on 2-3 November, with some mandals projected to receive over 150 mm. Evacuation of vulnerable coastal villages, suspension of fishing, and deployment of NDRF teams are under way. The storm's compact structure raises the chance of rapid intensification before landfall, though interaction with land should limit peak strength.

Agricultural losses, power outages and road blockages remain the primary near-term concerns. The IMD continues to issue six-hourly updates; the next major revision is expected after the system reaches severe status. Residents in the landfall zone should complete final preparations for high winds and flooding by the evening of 2 November.