Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu to Cross Andhra Pradesh Coast Overnight

Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu lay over the west-central Bay of Bengal on 2 November and is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, between 2330 hours IST on 2 November and 0400 hours IST on 3 November. The India Meteorological Department placed the system near 14.1°N and 81.4°E at 0830 hours IST, about 160 km east-southeast of Nellore and 210 km southeast of Ongole.

It moved west-northwestwards at 22 kmph in the preceding six hours. IMD rates the forecast track and intensity as high confidence. At landfall the storm is forecast to sustain winds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. A storm surge of 1.0 to 1.5 metres above astronomical tide is likely to inundate low-lying areas of south coastal Andhra Pradesh. The peak surge is expected over Bapatla, Krishna and Prakasam districts.

Authorities in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha have closed schools and colleges in several districts. Chennai and Tiruvallur collectors ordered closures for 2 November. Orange alerts cover six Telangana districts and yellow alerts five others. Extremely heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places over coastal Andhra Pradesh on 2 and 3 November, with heavy to very heavy falls across Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Odisha and parts of Chhattisgarh.

The name Murasu, meaning war drum, was contributed by India under the regional cyclone naming system. After landfall the system is expected to weaken into a cyclonic storm by the morning of 3 November, with winds falling to 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph, then move north and later north-northeast ahead of an upper-level trough.

National Disaster Response Force teams have moved into Andhra Pradesh. Odisha has pre-positioned over 300 rescue teams from NDRF, ODRAF and the fire service. District administrations in Bapatla and adjoining areas have prepared for heavy inflows from neighbouring regions and possible use of some institutions as shelters. Sea conditions remain high north of 12°N, with gale winds of 50-55 knots gusting to 60 knots near the centre.

Earlier on 1 November a deep depression intensified into the cyclonic storm over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. The rapid organisation and northwest track have compressed the warning window for coastal communities. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. Ports and coastal roads face disruption from high winds and rain.

The storm follows a brief respite from earlier systems in the region. Coastal districts have seen heavy rain already on 2 November, with waterlogging reported in parts of Chennai and neighbouring areas. Visibility is poor to very poor in rain and thunderstorms. After crossing the coast the system is likely to produce widespread rain further inland as it weakens.

IMD continues to issue updates through its coastal and sea area bulletins. The landfall window remains the critical period for surge and wind impact. Residents in low-lying coastal zones of Prakasam, Krishna and Bapatla have been urged to move to safer locations if advised by local authorities. The system is not expected to retain severe intensity for long after landfall, but the combination of rain and residual winds will affect transport and agriculture across several states for the next 48 hours.