The Bay of Bengal has long been a stage for nature’s most dramatic displays, and Cyclone Murasu is set to be the latest headline act. Over the west‑central and adjoining southwest part of the bay, the system has already intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, a classification that signals a sudden surge in power and potential for damage. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been tracking its progress, noting that the storm has been moving nearly northwestward at a brisk 20 kmph.
According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, Murasu is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between midnight on 2 November and the early hours of 3 November. The landfall point is projected to be near Nellore and Narsapur, close to the town of Ongole. When the eye of the storm touches land, sustained wind speeds of 100–110 kmph are forecast, with gusts that could reach 120 kmph—winds powerful enough to topple trees and damage structures.
Severe Cyclone Murasu, moving west-northwestwards at 22 kmph over the past six hours, was centred over the westcentral Bay of Bengal, about 160 km east-southeast of Nellore, at 8.30am on Monday, and is likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, south of Ongole, around midnight on Monday, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph gusting up to 120 kmph. Track LIVE updates 🔗 https://t.co/hHK20zQapS Tap into nonstop news coverage with the TOI App 👉 https://t.co/ogFaRsVinV #CycloneMurasu #Cyclone #AndhraPradesh #Nellore #Narsapur #BayOfBengal #CycloneAlert #WeatherUpdate #IndiaNews
In Rayagada district, the local administration has taken a proactive stance. The district collector convened a virtual emergency meeting to review readiness for the storm’s potential impacts, including heavy rainfall. All 11 fire station teams have been deployed and heavy machinery is on standby.
Residents in Nellore and surrounding districts are urged to heed the advisories and stay informed through local media and official channels.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has issued advisories urging residents to remain alert. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected across multiple districts, including Krishna, Guntur, Nellore, East Godavari, and Tirupati, amplifying the risk of flooding.
The storm’s intensity, combined with the geography of the coast, means that even areas not directly in the eye’s path could experience significant wind damage and rainfall.
The IMD’s neutral stance on the storm’s trajectory is balanced by the clear warnings issued by local authorities. The Rayagada district, which had earlier been under a yellow warning, has now escalated to an orange warning for 3 and 4 November, reflecting the growing threat.
The #Severe_Cyclonic_Storm “#Murasu” [Pronunciation: Murasu]” over Westcentral & adjoining Southwest Bay of #Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 22 kmph during past 06 hours and lay centered at 0830 hours IST of today, the 02nd #November, 2026 over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal near Latitude 14.1°N and Longitude 81.4°E, about 160 km east-southeast of Nellore (Andhra Pradesh), 180 km northeast of Chennai (Tamil Nadu), 180 km east-southeast of Kavali (Andhra Pradesh), 210 km southeast of Ongole (Andhra Pradesh) and 240 km south of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh). It is very likely to move northwestwards and cross south #Andhra #Pradesh coast as a #Severe_Cyclonic_Storm with wind speed of 100 to 110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph between #Nellore and #Narsapur, to the south of #Ongole during midnight (2330 Hrs IST) of today, the 02nd November to early hours (0400 Hrs IST) of tomorrow, the 3rd November, 2026. #CycloneMurasu
The shift from yellow to orange warnings is more than a change in color; it signals a heightened level of preparedness. With the storm’s projected arrival time and intensity, emergency services have mobilized resources, and communities are being advised to secure property and seek shelter if necessary.
The heavy rainfall forecast, combined with the high wind speeds, creates a perfect storm scenario for coastal and inland areas alike. Residents in Nellore and surrounding districts are urged to heed the advisories and stay informed through local media and official channels.
While the meteorological data paints a clear picture of the storm’s potential, the real story is in the people who will feel its impact. Families in coastal villages are preparing to protect their homes, while local businesses are bracing for possible disruptions. The presence of NDRF and SDRF teams offers a lifeline, but the sheer scale of the storm means that many will have to rely on their own resilience.
The Rayagada district’s deployment of 11 fire station teams and heavy machinery is a testament to the region’s commitment to safeguarding its residents. Yet, the sheer magnitude of the storm—winds that can reach 120 kmph—remains a formidable challenge.
As Murasu crosses the Andhra coast, the focus will shift from anticipation to response. The IMD will continue to monitor the storm’s evolution, while local authorities will coordinate relief efforts. The heavy rainfall and high winds will likely cause damage to infrastructure, and the community will need to mobilize quickly to address flooding and power outages.
In the days that follow, the eyes of the nation will remain on the affected districts, watching how the storm’s aftermath unfolds and how the people of Andhra Pradesh and Rayagada rebuild. The storm’s passage will be a stark reminder of nature’s power and the importance of preparedness.