Cyclone Murasu to make landfall near at Andhra coast tonight; 120 kmph winds expected

Cyclone Murasu is forecast to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast in the early hours of Tuesday. The expected landfall zone lies between Nellore and Narsapur, south of Ongole. The timing is between 11:30 pm Monday and 4 am Tuesday. This matters because landfall can bring the storm’s strongest winds and heaviest rain near populated coastal districts.

The IMD said Murasu was a Severe Cyclonic Storm over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal. At 8:30 am Monday, it was about 160 km east-southeast of Nellore and 180 km northeast of Chennai. Forecast conditions include winds reaching 120 kmph, extremely heavy rainfall and coastal flooding.

The storm is expected to weaken into a cyclonic storm by Tuesday morning. Winds may then fall to 70–80 kmph, with gusts up to 90 kmph. Andhra Pradesh, northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and southern Odisha remain under warnings, while officials prepare evacuations and rescue operations.

Under India Meteorological Department classification, a Severe Cyclonic Storm has sustained winds of about 89–117 kmph. It is stronger than a regular cyclonic storm, whose sustained winds are about 62–88 kmph. The higher wind range means greater risk of damage, dangerous seas and disruption, especially near landfall.

Murasu was classified as a Severe Cyclonic Storm when the IMD located it over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal. The article forecasts winds up to 120 kmph. It also expects the system to weaken into a cyclonic storm, with winds falling to 70–80 kmph and gusts reaching 90 kmph.

“Hurricane” describes the same broad type of tropical weather system in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific. “Cyclone” is commonly used in the Indian Ocean and other regions. The names reflect location, not a fundamental difference in how the storms work. This classification explanation uses established meteorological knowledge beyond the article.

Murasu’s effects are expected across a broad part of eastern and southern India. Andhra Pradesh districts under warning include Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam, Nellore, Guntur, Eluru, NTR, Palnadu and West Godavari. Northern Tamil Nadu, parts of Puducherry and five southern Odisha districts are also included. Telangana and Rayalaseema may receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.

The storm’s forecast wind speed is up to 120 kmph near its strongest phase. After landfall, it is expected to weaken into a cyclonic storm, with winds of 70–80 kmph and gusts up to 90 kmph. Rainfall may be extremely heavy in places, raising the risk of flooding, especially near the coast and in low-lying areas.

The article does not give rainfall totals or the exact size of the wind field. Its warnings show that the hazard is regional, not limited to the landfall point. Conditions should ease as Murasu weakens, but rain and strong winds can continue after landfall.

A cyclone’s combined hazards can affect communities well beyond the point of landfall. Strong winds can damage roofs, trees, power lines and weaker structures. Heavy rain can flood homes, roads and low-lying settlements. Coastal flooding can push seawater inland, making conditions especially dangerous near beaches, estuaries and other exposed areas.

For example, Murasu is expected to bring winds up to 120 kmph and extremely heavy rainfall to south Andhra Pradesh. Roads and rail links may become difficult to use if water covers them or debris blocks routes. Floodwater can damage crops, erode soil and leave farmland waterlogged. Fishing activity and coastal shipping can also stop because of rough seas.

The article does not provide a detailed damage forecast, so these are established cyclone risks rather than confirmed impacts from Murasu. Its warnings and evacuation preparations show why officials are acting before landfall. Damage and disruption may continue after the storm weakens, especially where flooding drains slowly.

Fishing is suspended because a severe cyclone makes the sea dangerous for people and vessels. Strong winds can overturn or damage boats, while rough waves and poor visibility can make rescue difficult. Near the storm’s path, conditions can change quickly, leaving crews little time to return safely. Small craft have less stability and protection than larger ships.

The IMD warned fishermen not to enter the west-central Bay of Bengal until the afternoon of November 4. It issued the same warning along the Andhra Pradesh coast. The agency also cautioned against moving motorboats and small ships because of dangerous sea conditions. These instructions remove people from the most exposed environment before the storm arrives.

The restriction is preventive, not a report that every vessel has already been damaged. It covers the period when Murasu is expected to affect coastal waters and the landfall zone. Fishing and small-vessel operations can resume only when authorities judge conditions safe, although the article does not specify a reopening time.

Preparedness reduces danger by acting before the cyclone arrives. Evacuations move residents from exposed coastlines and low-lying areas to safer places. Control rooms give officials a central way to share warnings, track conditions and coordinate decisions. These steps can reduce deaths, confusion and delays when roads, power or communications are disrupted.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed preparations and directed officials to coordinate rescue and relief operations. Six NDRF teams and seven SDRF teams were deployed. Such specialist teams can support rescues, emergency response and relief work, while local officials manage shelters, transport and public information. The article also says evacuation arrangements were put in place.

These measures cannot stop the cyclone or prevent every loss. They reduce exposure and improve the speed of help. Their success depends on people following warnings and officials reaching vulnerable communities. After landfall, the same teams and control rooms can help assess damage, rescue stranded residents and organise relief as Murasu weakens.

The article focuses on Murasu’s track and warnings, not how tropical cyclones form. In general, a tropical cyclone develops over sufficiently warm ocean water when moist air rises, lowering surface pressure. Air then flows inward and rotates around the developing low-pressure centre. Condensation in thunderstorms releases heat, helping the circulation strengthen when conditions remain favourable.

Warm water supplies moisture and energy through evaporation. A storm can intensify when its circulation stays organised and upper-level winds do not tear it apart. Murasu intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal. The article records this change but does not provide the formation history or ocean temperatures.

Cyclones usually weaken after moving over land because they are cut off from their warm-water energy source. Friction from the ground also disrupts circulation, while drier air can weaken thunderstorms. Murasu is expected to weaken into a cyclonic storm by Tuesday morning, with winds dropping to 70–80 kmph and gusts up to 90 kmph. The formation explanation uses established meteorological knowledge beyond the article.