Cyclone Murasu has strengthened over the Bay of Bengal and is moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects the storm to become a severe cyclonic system before reaching the coastline between Nellore and Narsapur in the early hours of November 3.
According to the latest weather update issued on Sunday, November 1, the cyclone could bring winds of 100–110 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 120 kmph. Heavy rainfall is also expected in several parts of southern India over the next few days.
The approaching storm has become a concern for coastal Andhra Pradesh, which was recently affected by Cyclone Arnab on October 28.
Cyclone Murasu Strengthens Over the Bay of Bengal
The weather system developed from a deep depression over the southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. It intensified into Cyclone Murasu on Sunday morning, according to the IMD.
At around 11:30 am, the system was moving west-northwestwards at approximately 23 kmph. It was located nearly 560 km east-southeast of Chennai and around 630 km east-southeast of Nellore.
The cyclone is expected to continue moving towards the northwest and gain strength as it approaches the Indian coastline.
When Will Cyclone Murasu Hit Andhra Pradesh?
The IMD expects Murasu to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday morning. After that, it is likely to move towards the south Andhra Pradesh coast.
The current forecast suggests that the storm could cross the coastline between Nellore and Narsapur around midnight on November 2 or during the early hours of November 3.
Wind speeds during landfall may reach 100–110 kmph, while occasional gusts could touch 120 kmph.
The situation is being closely monitored as the cyclone approaches the coast.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh Faces Another Weather Challenge
The new cyclone comes just days after Cyclone Arnab made landfall near Narsapur on October 28.
With another storm approaching the region, coastal communities could face further rainfall and strong winds. Areas along the projected landfall stretch will need to remain particularly alert.
The impact of Murasu will depend on its movement and intensity over the next couple of days.
Heavy Rain Expected in Several States
Rainfall associated with Cyclone Murasu is not expected to remain limited to Andhra Pradesh. The IMD has also forecast showers across parts of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Rayalaseema and Odisha.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Monday, with extremely heavy showers possible at isolated locations. Rain is also expected to continue on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Rayalaseema could experience heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places on Monday and Tuesday. Parts of Tamil Nadu and Telangana may also receive heavy showers.
In southern Odisha, rainfall activity is expected to increase from Tuesday, with heavy to very heavy rainfall possible at some locations.
What Should Residents Expect?
People living in coastal districts should keep an eye on weather updates as the storm moves closer. Strong winds and heavy rainfall could disrupt normal activities in affected areas.
Residents are advised to follow local administration instructions and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions.
The IMD is continuing to monitor Cyclone Murasu, and further updates are expected to provide more clarity about its movement and possible impact.
For now, the main concern remains the approaching landfall and the possibility of another spell of severe weather along the Andhra Pradesh coast.
