Cyclone Murasu LIVE: System intensifies into 'severe cyclonic storm', landfall expected in Andhra tomorrow

Murasu is forecast to make landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast between midnight on November 2 and early November 3. The expected crossing area is between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole. This matters because the storm is projected to arrive as a severe cyclonic storm, bringing dangerous winds and heavy rain.

The IMD said the system was moving west-northwestward at 25 kmph. It was about 200 kilometres east-northeast of Chennai and 260 kilometres southeast of Ongole at 5:30 am on November 2. The agency expects the storm to turn northwestward while approaching the coast.

At landfall, sustained winds are forecast at 100–110 kmph. Gusts could reach 120 kmph. The IMD also said Murasu might intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm before reaching Andhra Pradesh, although the stated landfall forecast remains a severe cyclonic storm.

A severe cyclonic storm is a formal category in the India Meteorological Department’s wind-based classification. It describes a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 89–117 kmph. The category matters because stronger winds increase risks to buildings, trees, power lines, roads, and coastal communities.

Murasu fits the category in the article’s forecast because the IMD expects sustained winds of 100–110 kmph when it crosses the Andhra Pradesh coast. Gusts could reach 120 kmph, which are brief, stronger bursts rather than the storm’s sustained wind speed.

The article also reports a possibility that Murasu could intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before landfall. That would be a higher IMD category, but the forecast described in the latest update remains a severe cyclonic storm. The article does not explain the full classification table; the wind ranges are established IMD terminology.

Murasu’s forecast intensity is measured mainly through sustained winds, wind gusts, and rainfall. The IMD expects sustained winds of 100–110 kmph at landfall, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. Those figures place the system in the severe cyclonic storm category.

Rainfall is forecast to be widespread but uneven. On November 2, light to moderate rain is expected at many places, with heavy to very heavy rain at isolated locations. On November 3, most places may receive light to moderate rain, while some locations could again receive heavy to very heavy rain.

Tamil Nadu’s Chennai recorded average rainfall of 76.07 millimetres in the 24 hours before 6 am on November 2. The article also reports very heavy rainfall alerts for Andhra Pradesh. It does not provide a total rainfall forecast for the entire cyclone area, so rainfall intensity varies by location.

Murasu’s winds and rain could create dangerous conditions across three states. In Andhra Pradesh, the strongest winds near landfall could damage trees, roofs, power lines, and weaker structures. Heavy rain could also disrupt roads, transport, electricity, and daily activity. These are standard cyclone risks; the article specifically confirms heavy rain alerts and emergency arrangements.

Tamil Nadu is already receiving northeast monsoon rain. Chennai recorded 76.07 millimetres in 24 hours, and heavy to very heavy rain is forecast on November 2 and 3. Chennai and Tiruvallur therefore closed schools and colleges on Monday. Such rainfall can worsen waterlogging and flooding, especially where drainage is overwhelmed.

Telangana has orange alerts for six districts and yellow alerts for five, warning of adverse weather. The article does not list specific damage or casualties. Its reported consequences so far are closures, rainfall, alerts, and the need for emergency assistance in Vijayawada.

The IMD follows a storm by repeatedly estimating its centre, movement, speed, wind strength, and likely track. In this case, it reported that Murasu moved west-northwestward at 25 kmph and gave its position at 5:30 am. Forecast models and observations help the agency predict landfall, wind speeds, and rainfall.

The IMD then issues alerts for expected weather impacts. The article reports an orange alert for six Telangana districts, a yellow alert for five districts, and a very heavy rainfall alert for Andhra Pradesh. These alerts help authorities prepare closures, emergency services, and public warnings.

The article does not provide the exact rainfall thresholds for yellow or orange alerts. In established Indian weather-warning practice, yellow means people should stay aware, orange signals heightened readiness for disruptive weather, and red indicates the highest danger. Alert levels can vary by forecast hazard and location.

Landfall happens at one coastal location, but a cyclone’s circulation and rainbands spread across a much wider area. Moist air around the storm can produce heavy rain well away from the centre. That is why Tamil Nadu can experience severe weather even when Murasu is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast.

The article reports northeast monsoon rain in Chennai and nearby areas. Chennai received an average 76.07 millimetres in the 24 hours before 6 am on November 2. The IMD forecast light to moderate rain at many places, with heavy to very heavy rain at isolated locations on November 2 and 3.

Chennai and Tiruvallur closed schools and colleges because of the heavy-rain forecast. The article does not identify the exact share of rain caused by Murasu versus the northeast monsoon. It does show that both weather systems and the cyclone’s broader circulation are affecting Tamil Nadu.

A tropical cyclone is a large, rotating low-pressure weather system that forms over warm tropical or subtropical ocean water. Warm water adds heat and moisture to the air. As moist air rises and condenses, it releases energy that can strengthen the circulation. The storm’s rotation comes from Earth’s spin.

Formation also requires atmospheric conditions that let the circulation remain organized. Moist air through much of the atmosphere supports thunderstorms, while low vertical wind shear prevents upper winds from tearing the system apart. A developing storm can intensify when ocean and atmospheric conditions continue supplying energy.

The article does not explain these formation mechanisms. It reports that Murasu strengthened over the west-central and southwest Bay of Bengal and could become very severe. The IMD forecast a severe cyclonic storm at landfall, with 100–110 kmph winds and gusts up to 120 kmph.