Cyclone Murasu expected to make landfall on Andhra Pradesh coast tonight
The severe cyclonic storm is forecast to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur with winds reaching 120 kmph.
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur in Andhra Pradesh between 11:30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3, 2026, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm was moving west-northwest at 25 kmph over the Bay of Bengal on Monday morning, according to Urban Acres.
The IMD stated that wind speeds during landfall are likely to be 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. A storm surge of 1.5-2 metres above the astronomical tide is expected to inundate low-lying areas in South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Bapatla and parts of Krishna and Prakasam districts, The Hindu reported.
In response to the storm, the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority is evacuating residents. Managing director Prakhar Jain told Reuters that around 2,000 people have been evacuated, with plans to evacuate approximately 30,000 people.
Authorities have taken several precautionary measures. The Indian Express reported that Nellore and Prakasam districts have declared a holiday on November 3 for all government, private, and aided schools, Anganwadi centres, and junior colleges. Chennai and Tiruvallur District Collectors also closed schools and colleges on Monday.
Flight services have been disrupted, with at least 19 domestic flights cancelled across Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam airports on Monday. Ten IndiGo flights from Gannavaram Airport and 11 flights from Chennai airport were also cancelled, The Hindu reported.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 14 teams, including 11 from Andhra Pradesh and three from Tamil Nadu, to affected areas. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed preparedness via video conference on Monday and directed officials to prevent loss of life and property.