Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu is approaching the Andhra Pradesh coastline, with landfall expected between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, around midnight on November 2 or in the early hours of November 3. Authorities have issued severe weather warnings, closed educational institutions in vulnerable districts and cancelled several flights and trains as coastal states prepare for the storm.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for the south Andhra Pradesh coast as Cyclone Murasu moves northwestwards over the west-central Bay of Bengal.
The storm is expected to bring sustained wind speeds of 100–110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph during landfall. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is also forecast in several coastal districts, raising concerns about flooding, damage to infrastructure and disruption to essential services.
Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and neighbouring Tamil Nadu have intensified emergency preparations, with disaster response teams placed on standby and authorities identifying vulnerable areas for evacuation. <Cite refs={[“turn745363search4″,”turn745363search3″,”turn227394search6”]}/>
Cyclone Murasu Expected to Make Landfall Near Ongole
According to the latest IMD bulletin issued on November 2, Cyclone Murasu was positioned over the west-central Bay of Bengal, approximately 160 kilometres east-southeast of Nellore.
The weather system was moving west-northwestwards at around 22 kmph and was expected to continue towards the southern Andhra Pradesh coastline.
The IMD forecast that the storm would cross between Nellore and Narsapur, south of Ongole, between 11:30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3.
Wind speeds could reach 100–110 kmph, with gusts of up to 120 kmph, potentially damaging trees, electricity infrastructure, houses and other vulnerable structures.
The weather department has also warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Chittoor and Tirupati districts. <Cite refs={[“turn745363search4″,”turn745363search7”]}/>
Schools Closed in Andhra Pradesh and Parts of Tamil Nadu
Authorities have announced educational closures in several areas as a precautionary measure.
In Andhra Pradesh, holidays have been declared for November 3 in Nellore and Prakasam districts. The closures cover government, private and aided schools, Anganwadi centres and junior colleges.
In Tamil Nadu, schools in Chennai and Tiruvallur were also closed on November 2 because of heavy rainfall and weather warnings.
Odisha has placed its southern districts, particularly Ganjam and Gajapati, on alert because of the possibility of heavy rainfall and strong winds. Local authorities are monitoring conditions and preparing emergency arrangements. <Cite refs={[“turn227394search4″,”turn227394search3″,”turn227394search6”]}/>
At Least 19 Flights Cancelled Across Andhra Pradesh
Air travel has been disrupted as airlines adjust their operations ahead of the cyclone.
At least 19 domestic flights were cancelled across Vijayawada, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam airports on November 2.
According to airport officials, IndiGo cancelled 10 flights from Vijayawada, while Air India Express cancelled two. Four flights were also cancelled at Visakhapatnam, with additional disruptions reported at Tirupati.
Passengers have been advised to check their flight status directly with airlines before travelling to airports, as further cancellations and delays may occur depending on weather conditions. <Cite refs={[“turn227394search7″,”turn227394search10”]}/>
Indian Railways Cancels Nine Trains
Railway operations have also been affected by the approaching storm.
Indian Railways has cancelled nine trains as a precautionary measure to reduce risks to passengers and railway operations.
South Coast Railway has established a 24-hour control room and opened passenger assistance facilities at major stations.
Additional arrangements include medical teams, ambulances, emergency power supplies and facilities to assist passengers affected by cancellations.
Railway authorities have advised travellers to check official updates before beginning their journeys, particularly those travelling through sections of coastal Andhra Pradesh. <Cite refs={[“turn227394search5″,”turn227394search4”]}/>
Disaster Response Teams Put on High Alert
Andhra Pradesh authorities have intensified preparations to minimise the cyclone’s impact.
National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force personnel have been positioned in vulnerable locations to support evacuation, rescue and relief operations.
According to officials quoted in media reports, around 2,000 people had already been evacuated from vulnerable areas, with preparations underway to move more residents to safer locations.
Odisha has also placed rescue teams on standby. Reports indicate that approximately 300 rescue teams have been mobilised as the state prepares for heavy rainfall in its southern districts.
Tamil Nadu has sent electricity personnel and equipment to assist neighbouring Andhra Pradesh with possible power restoration work following the storm. <Cite refs={[“turn227394search4″,”turn227394search6″,”turn227394news12”]}/>
Heavy Rainfall Expected Across Several States
Although Andhra Pradesh is expected to face the direct impact of Cyclone Murasu, its influence is likely to extend across neighbouring states.
The IMD has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, with isolated locations potentially receiving exceptionally high rainfall.
Southern Odisha, particularly Ganjam and Gajapati, is expected to experience heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Northern Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and Tiruvallur, has also experienced rainfall associated with the weather system.
Parts of Telangana and southern Chhattisgarh may receive rainfall as the storm moves inland after crossing the coast. <Cite refs={[“turn745363search4″,”turn227394search6″,”turn227394search11”]}/>
Fishermen Advised to Stay Away From the Sea
The IMD has warned fishermen against venturing into affected areas of the Bay of Bengal and along the Andhra Pradesh coastline.
Rough sea conditions and strong winds could make fishing and other maritime activities dangerous.
Residents living in low-lying coastal settlements have been advised to follow evacuation instructions and move to designated shelters when directed by local authorities.
People have also been asked to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded roads and keep essential supplies, medicines and important documents ready.
Conclusion
Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu is expected to cross the southern Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.
With wind speeds potentially reaching 110 kmph and gusts of up to 120 kmph, the cyclone presents a significant threat to coastal communities and infrastructure.
School closures, at least 19 flight cancellations, nine cancelled trains and the deployment of disaster response teams reflect the scale of preparations underway.
As landfall approaches, residents in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and neighbouring states are being urged to remain alert, follow official weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.