Cyclone Murasu to Cross Andhra Coast Overnight as Severe Storm, Days After Arnab

Cyclone Murasu is headed for the Andhra Pradesh coast and is likely to cross the south coast between Nellore and Narsapur on the night of November 2 to November 3 as a severe cyclonic storm [1][2]. The India Meteorological Department gave that forecast on November 1 [1]. Winds of 100 to 110 kilometres per hour, gusting to 120 kilometres per hour, are expected at landfall [1][2].

The deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal grew into Cyclonic Storm Murasu on November 1 [1]. The name comes from the list of names given by India and means war drum in Tamil [1]. The storm was moving west-northwest towards the Andhra Pradesh coast [1]. It had moved at 23 kilometres per hour over the past six hours [2]. At 11:30 on November 1, it sat over the southwest and west-central Bay of Bengal [1][2]. It was about 560 kilometres east-southeast of Chennai [1][2]. It was 660 kilometres south-southeast of Visakhapatnam [1][2]. It was 630 kilometres east-southeast of Nellore [1][2]. It was 640 kilometres southeast of Machilipatnam [1][2]. It was 680 kilometres east-southeast of Ongole [1][2].

Where the storm is now

The storm is very likely to grow into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of November 2 [1][2]. It is then expected to turn northwest towards the mainland [1][2]. Early estimates put landfall near Bapatla between 23:30 on November 2 and 04:00 on November 3 [1]. The landfall point may change later [1]. People should check new bulletins for changes [1].

Red alert in five districts

A red alert for November 2 is in place for Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam and SPSR Nellore [1]. Extremely heavy rain is likely in those districts [1]. Heavy to very heavy rain is forecast over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and Telangana on November 2 and November 3 [1]. Extremely heavy rain is likely at isolated places in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam [1]. Gusty winds of 80 to 90 kilometres per hour are expected along the coast on both days [1]. Heavy to extremely heavy rain is also likely over south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema over the next three days [2]. Districts bordering Telangana are on red alert for November 3, since the system is likely to move towards Telangana after landfall [1].

Second storm in a week

Murasu arrives barely a week after Cyclone Arnab battered Andhra Pradesh [1]. Arnab crossed the coast near Narsapur in West Godavari district on October 28 as a very severe cyclonic storm [1]. Winds gusted up to 150 kilometres per hour when Arnab crossed the coast [1]. Arnab killed five people [1]. Arnab damaged about 2425 kilometres of roads and brought down some 15000 electric poles [1]. The state government puts the losses from Arnab at 4600 crore rupees [1]. Officials now have little time to prepare for the next storm, with recovery from Arnab still under way [1].

Preparations under way

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has cancelled his visit to Delhi on November 2 in view of the cyclone [1]. The Chief Minister's Office announced the cancellation in a post on the social media platform X [1]. The State Disaster Management Authority has urged people to remain alert and follow official advice [2]. A cyclone alert is in place for the Andhra Pradesh coast and the adjoining north Tamil Nadu coast [2].

What happens next

The next step is the expected growth of Murasu into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of November 2 [1][2]. The forecast landfall window opens at 23:30 on November 2 and runs to 04:00 on November 3 [1]. Rain and gusty winds are expected to continue on November 2 and November 3 [1]. The track may still change, so new bulletins will update the forecast [1]. People in the red-alert districts should stay indoors during the worst weather and follow official advice [1][2].

Verified: 2026-11-02

Disclosure: This article was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by a human editor. Facts reflect sources available on the verified date; developing stories may have new details — check the cited sources for updates.

Sources: The Hindu | Business Today