Cyclone Murasu: Severe Storm Set to Hit South Andhra Coast
Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu is set to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur with winds up to 120 kmph. Check the IMD alerts and government plans.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a critical alert as Cyclone Murasu Andhra Pradesh is expected to make landfall along the south coast between midnight on Monday, November 2, and the early hours of Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The severe cyclonic storm is projected to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur, south of Ongole, bringing hazardous wind speeds and heavy rainfall to the region.
Tracking the Storm: Current Position and Path
As of 2:30 pm on Monday, the cyclone was centered over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal. According to the Andhra Pradesh Meteorological Department, the storm's location was approximately:
- 100 km east of Nellore (Andhra Pradesh)
- 120 km southeast of Kavali (Andhra Pradesh)
- 160 km north-northeast of Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
- 160 km southeast of Ongole (Andhra Pradesh)
- 210 km south of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
The IMD reports that the system is moving in a northwestward direction. It is expected to strike the coast as a Severe Cyclonic Storm, with sustained wind speeds ranging from 100 to 110 kmph, potentially gusting up to 120 kmph.
Surveillance and Monitoring
To ensure precise tracking and timely warnings, the Severe Cyclonic Storm "Murasu" is under constant surveillance. The authorities are utilizing Doppler Weather Radars stationed at Chennai, Machilipatnam, and Visakhapatnam to monitor the storm's movement and intensity in real-time.
Government Response and Preparedness
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has taken a proactive stance in managing the impending storm. Holding a review meeting at the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre in the Secretariat, the Chief Minister consulted with senior officials and district collectors to ensure the state is fully prepared.
Key Directives from the Chief Minister:
- High Alert: The administration has been ordered to remain fully alert, especially as moderate to heavy rainfall is anticipated across Rayalaseema and South Coastal Andhra districts.
- Safety First: The CM emphasized the implementation of robust measures to ensure there is no loss of life or property.
- Water Management: In a strategic move, officials have been instructed to manage the incoming rainfall efficiently to fill reservoirs and tanks.
Comparative Impact
Despite the severity of the storm, Chief Minister Naidu noted that the impact of Cyclone Murasu on the Andhra Pradesh coast is likely to be relatively limited. Based on current forecasts, both the rainfall intensity and the wind speeds are expected to be lower than those experienced during Cyclone Arnab.