Cyclone Murasu: Chennai, Vijayawada flights hit; Andhra on alert ahead of landfall

A severe cyclonic storm is a powerful tropical storm with very strong sustained winds. In India’s weather classification, it is stronger than a cyclonic storm but weaker than a very severe cyclonic storm. Such systems can produce destructive winds, intense rain, flooding and dangerous seas. The article describes Murasu as a severe cyclonic storm approaching Andhra Pradesh.

Landfall occurs when the cyclone’s center crosses the coastline. Murasu was expected to cross between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, between 11.30pm Monday and 4am Tuesday. The storm was forecast to carry winds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts up to 120 kmph.

Landfall matters because coastal districts face the most immediate impacts. Andhra Pradesh prepared evacuations, control rooms and rescue teams. Chennai, Tamil Nadu and southern Odisha also faced heavy rain, strong winds or rough seas as the wider storm system moved inland.

Murasu was expected to be powerful enough to threaten coastal communities with damaging winds, intense rainfall and dangerous seas. The IMD forecast sustained winds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. That combination can disrupt transport, damage infrastructure and make rescue work difficult.

Rainfall was forecast to be heavy to very heavy in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Chennai’s outer rain bands already produced 15 centimetres at Kadapakkam and Parrys, while several other places received 11-14 centimetres. The storm also threatened southern Odisha with heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusts of 40-50 kmph.

The main danger zone was the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole. However, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Ganjam, Gajapati and other districts could experience significant weather. Authorities therefore prepared across state borders.

A cyclone is much larger than the small area around its center. Its outer rain bands are curved lines of showers and thunderstorms that can reach distant places before the eye or center arrives. Because Murasu was moving northwestwards over the Bay of Bengal, these bands reached northern Tamil Nadu while the storm remained offshore.

The article records major rainfall totals in Chennai. Kadapakkam and Parrys each received 15 centimetres in the 24 hours ending 8.30am Monday. Manali New Town and Manali received 14 centimetres each, while Sathangadu received 13 centimetres. Several other areas recorded 11 centimetres.

The rain caused waterlogging in several parts of the city, although the corporation commissioner reported no major flooding. Schools closed, and civic teams used pumps and backup motors. Chennai received this weather before the expected Andhra Pradesh landfall because the cyclone’s broad rain field extended ahead and around its center.

Murasu disrupted daily life and travel across the affected region. Chennai schools were closed because of adverse weather. Airlines cancelled services connecting Chennai, Vijayawada and other destinations. These decisions reduced exposure to dangerous rain, winds and disrupted airport operations.

The article reports 10 IndiGo flights cancelled from Vijayawada, plus two Air India Express services connecting Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, and Hyderabad and Vijayawada. Chennai airport cancelled 11 flights to Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Kadapa and Tiruchirappalli. Several city areas experienced waterlogging, but only two of 22 subways had minor waterlogging, which was cleared promptly.

Police warned people not to enter the sea or approach the shoreline. Visitors were advised to avoid Marina, Pattinapakkam and Besant Nagar beaches because of rough seas, high waves and strong winds. These measures limited travel and coastal activity while authorities monitored the storm’s movement and impacts.

Low-lying areas can collect floodwater quickly when a cyclone brings intense rain. Strong winds and possible flash floods can make roads, homes and rescue routes unsafe. Andhra Pradesh therefore ordered officials to move people from vulnerable locations to safer places, especially in districts near the storm’s expected path.

Officials were told to monitor canals and streams because heavy rain can raise water levels rapidly. Residents were warned not to approach fast-flowing water. Authorities also had to keep drinking-water supplies uninterrupted. After the rain, they were instructed to prioritise sanitation and chlorination of water sources, which helps protect supplies from contamination.

The response combined immediate safety with recovery planning. Six NDRF teams and seven SDRF teams were kept ready for rescue and relief. Twenty-four-hour control rooms were established in affected districts. These measures helped authorities track flooding, support evacuations and maintain essential services as Murasu approached.

Cyclone preparation works through several connected roles. The IMD tracks the storm and issues forecasts, warnings and rainfall alerts. Local governments turn those warnings into action by closing schools, arranging evacuations, opening control rooms and protecting water supplies. This division helps communities act before dangerous conditions peak.

In this case, the IMD forecast landfall timing, wind speeds and heavy rain. Andhra Pradesh officials coordinated with police, revenue and electricity departments to evacuate low-lying residents. Police warned people away from beaches and fast-flowing water. Civic teams in Chennai used pumps and backup motors to clear waterlogging.

NDRF and SDRF provide specialist emergency capacity. Six NDRF teams and seven SDRF teams were kept ready in Andhra Pradesh. Odisha also pre-positioned more than 300 rescue teams. Together, these agencies support warnings, evacuation, rescue, relief and restoration while governments monitor changing conditions.

Tropical cyclones generally begin over warm ocean water when a pre-existing area of low pressure draws in moist air. Warm water increases evaporation. The moist air rises, cools and condenses into clouds and thunderstorms. Condensation releases heat, which warms the surrounding air and can lower pressure further. Lower pressure pulls in more air, creating a reinforcing cycle.

As air flows toward the low-pressure center, Earth’s rotation helps organize it into a spinning system. A cyclone can intensify when the ocean remains warm, the atmosphere is moist and upper-level winds do not tear the storm apart. The system may weaken after moving over land or cooler water because its energy supply falls.

The source article does not describe Murasu’s formation or the exact conditions that strengthened it. It does report that Murasu intensified over the Bay of Bengal and moved northwestwards toward Andhra Pradesh, producing rain bands across Tamil Nadu.