Cyclone Murasu: Andhra Pradesh Braces for 120 km/h Winds as Heavy Rain Disrupts Flights Across India

Cyclone Murasu intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, with the IMD forecasting landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur. Heavy rainfall, flight cancellations and emergency deployments have put several states on alert.

India’s eastern coastline is facing a significant weather threat as Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu approaches Andhra Pradesh, bringing the possibility of damaging winds, intense rainfall and coastal flooding.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm was forecast to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole, between approximately 11:30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3.

The system was expected to bring sustained winds of 100–110 km/h, with gusts reaching 120 km/h.

Authorities across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha stepped up emergency preparations, while parts of Telangana were also placed under rainfall alerts.

Where Is Cyclone Murasu Heading?

The IMD reported that Murasu was moving northwestwards over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal.

In its November 2 bulletin, the weather agency placed the storm approximately 160 km east-southeast of Nellore and 180 km northeast of Chennai. It was also located around 210 km southeast of Ongole.

The forecast track indicated a crossing along the south Andhra Pradesh coastline between Nellore and Narsapur, south of Ongole.

The projected wind intensity makes the system a serious concern for coastal communities. Strong winds can damage weak structures, uproot trees, disrupt electricity networks and affect road and rail transport.

Low-lying coastal settlements are particularly vulnerable to flooding, especially where heavy rainfall coincides with high tides or storm-related coastal water rise.

Heavy Rainfall Threatens Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana

The cyclone’s impact was expected to extend beyond the immediate landfall area.

The IMD forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and Telangana on November 2 and 3. Isolated areas of coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema were warned of extremely heavy rainfall.

Telangana was also expected to experience intense rainfall on November 3, prompting orange alerts for six districts and yellow alerts for five others.

Tamil Nadu faced significant rainfall as the storm approached. Chennai, Tiruvallur and neighbouring districts experienced heavy overnight showers, with waterlogging reported in several locations.

According to rainfall figures reported on November 2, Madhavaram received approximately 11 cm of rain over 24 hours, while Ennore Port and Nungambakkam recorded around 10 cm each.

The rainfall added pressure to urban drainage systems and increased concerns about localised flooding.

Flights Cancelled as Travel Disruptions Spread

Adverse weather conditions began affecting aviation operations in southern India.

Chennai Airport announced the cancellation of 11 flights operating on routes connecting Chennai with Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Kadapa and Tiruchirappalli.

IndiGo also issued a travel advisory after weather conditions disrupted flight operations in Visakhapatnam.

The airline warned passengers about possible extended waiting times, both on the ground and onboard, and advised travellers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Passengers travelling through airports in the affected region were advised to follow airline announcements and allow additional time for possible delays.

Odisha Deploys Disaster Response Teams

Although Andhra Pradesh was the projected landfall region, neighbouring Odisha also strengthened its preparedness.

The state government placed several southern districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri, on high alert.

Odisha Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said authorities were prepared to respond and urged residents not to panic.

More than 300 disaster-response personnel and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services had reportedly been positioned for emergency operations.

Authorities were also instructed to evacuate people from vulnerable low-lying and hilly areas where heavy rainfall could create dangerous conditions.

The deployment was particularly important for districts that had recently faced severe weather impacts.

Schools Closed and Emergency Measures Activated

In Tamil Nadu, authorities declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai and Tiruvallur on November 2 as a precaution against heavy rainfall.

District administrations were directed to mobilise emergency personnel and report incidents to the State Emergency Operations Centre.

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu cancelled his scheduled visit to Delhi and reviewed preparations for relief and restoration operations.

He directed officials to ensure that emergency equipment, personnel and essential supplies were available in vulnerable locations.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also urged authorities to remain vigilant, particularly in Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla and Krishna districts.

Officials were instructed to prioritise evacuations from low-lying areas, prevent unnecessary movement near canals and streams, and prepare for the rapid restoration of drinking water and electricity services.

Preliminary state estimates indicated that strong winds could potentially damage around 15,128 electricity poles across 12 districts, highlighting the scale of the anticipated infrastructure risk.

Why Is the Cyclone Called Murasu?

Unlike many weather-related terms, the name Murasu has a cultural connection to Tamil heritage.

The name was proposed by India as part of the regional cyclone-naming system for the north Indian Ocean.

Murasu refers to a traditional Tamil percussion instrument, historically used to communicate important announcements and alert communities.

According to S. Balachandran, a former additional director general of meteorology who headed the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai when the name was proposed, the instrument was historically associated with public communication and warnings about danger.

The name also reflects the instrument’s powerful, thunderous sound.

The regional cyclone-naming process is coordinated through the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (WMO/ESCAP) Panel on Tropical Cyclones.

Countries in the region contribute names to the shared list, helping meteorological agencies, governments and the public identify individual storms more easily.

What Should People in Affected Areas Do?

With strong winds and intense rainfall expected around the projected landfall area, residents in vulnerable locations were urged to follow official weather and disaster-management instructions.

Key precautions include:

• Avoid entering the sea and follow fishing restrictions issued by authorities.
• Stay away from coastal areas, riverbanks, canals and flooded roads.
• Secure loose outdoor objects, roofing materials and temporary structures.
• Keep essential medicines, drinking water, food and emergency supplies ready.
• Charge mobile phones and keep emergency communication devices available.
• Follow evacuation instructions and move to designated shelters when directed.
• Check official airline updates before travelling through affected airports.

For emergencies in Andhra Pradesh, the reported disaster-management helplines include 112, 1070 and 18004250101.

A Critical Test for Coastal Disaster Preparedness

Cyclone Murasu highlights the vulnerability of India’s eastern coastline to severe tropical weather systems.

While accurate forecasting and early warnings provide valuable time for preparation, the actual impact of a cyclone depends on its final track, wind intensity, rainfall distribution and local coastal conditions.

For communities across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha, the immediate priorities remain public safety, timely evacuation and the protection of essential infrastructure.

The latest IMD bulletins and state disaster-management advisories remain the most important sources for determining the storm’s actual movement and impact.