Cyclone Murasu likely to bring heavy rainfall across southern states

A severe cyclonic storm is a powerful tropical cyclone with sustained winds strong enough to cause serious damage. In the North Indian Ocean, the India Meteorological Department generally uses this category for sustained winds of about 89–117 kmph. An ordinary storm may have heavy rain or gusty winds but does not necessarily have this organized strength or structure.

Cyclone Murasu was forecast to reach 100–110 kmph, with gusts up to 120 kmph, when it crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast. Those winds can damage roofs, trees, power lines and other structures, especially when combined with flooding rain. Gusts are brief bursts that can be stronger than the sustained wind.

The classification matters because it signals a higher level of danger and supports urgent preparations. Authorities can issue warnings, close schools and adjust transport operations. Winds usually weaken after landfall, but rain and flooding can continue and remain hazardous.

Cyclone Murasu was expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, south of Ongole. This is the point where the storm’s center was forecast to move from the Bay of Bengal onto land. The location mattered because coastal districts near the crossing faced the strongest winds and heaviest rain.

The IMD placed the expected landfall between 11:30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3, 2026. The storm was forecast to move northwestwards before crossing the coast. It was expected to remain a severe cyclonic storm during landfall, with winds of 100–110 kmph and gusts up to 120 kmph.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema were expected to bear the brunt of the system. After landfall, winds were forecast to gradually weaken. However, heavy rain was expected across several inland and neighboring regions during the following days.

The storm’s strongest forecast winds were along the Andhra Pradesh coast. They were expected to reach 100–110 kmph, with gusts up to 120 kmph by the night of November 2 and into early November 3. Such winds can create dangerous conditions for coastal communities and transport operations.

Rainfall was expected to be especially intense in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. The IMD forecast heavy to very heavy rain at some places, with extremely heavy rain at isolated locations on November 2 and 3. Coastal Andhra Pradesh could still receive isolated heavy rain on November 4.

Telangana was forecast to receive heavy to very heavy rain on November 2 and extremely heavy rain at isolated places on November 3. North Tamil Nadu, south Odisha and south Chhattisgarh were also expected to receive heavy rain in some areas. Rain and wind impacts could continue even after the center moved inland.

Cyclone Murasu’s effects were expected to spread well beyond coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. The IMD forecast heavy rain in parts of Telangana, north Tamil Nadu, south Odisha and south Chhattisgarh. These areas could face disruption even if the cyclone’s center did not pass directly over them.

North Tamil Nadu was expected to receive heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places on November 2. South Odisha and south Chhattisgarh could receive isolated heavy rain from November 2 to 4. Telangana was forecast to get heavy to very heavy rain on November 2 and isolated extremely heavy rain on November 3.

Strong winds were also forecast outside the coast. North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry could see 60–70 kmph winds, gusting to 80 kmph. Parts of Telangana and Rayalaseema could see 70–80 kmph winds, gusting to 90 kmph during early November 3.

A cyclone combining extreme rain and gale-force winds can create several dangers at once. Rain may flood roads, homes and farmland, while strong winds can damage roofs, trees, power lines and other structures. People may be unable to travel safely, and emergency services can face difficult conditions.

For example, Murasu was forecast to bring 100–110 kmph winds, gusting to 120 kmph, along the Andhra Pradesh coast. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema were also expected to receive heavy to extremely heavy rain. These conditions can interrupt road, rail and air travel, damage crops and delay normal work and school activities.

The article reports that Chennai and Tiruvallur closed schools as a precaution. Flights in Andhra Pradesh and Chennai were affected, with some cancellations. The risk does not end immediately at landfall, because flooding rain may continue even as winds gradually weaken.

Cyclone warnings give authorities and the public time to reduce exposure to dangerous conditions. Strong winds, flooding rain and poor visibility can make roads, airports and school routes unsafe. Closing schools keeps students and staff from travelling during the worst weather and reduces the number of people needing help.

In this case, schools and colleges in Chennai closed on November 2, while Tiruvallur also declared a school holiday. Flight operations in Andhra Pradesh and Chennai were affected, and some flights were cancelled. Airlines and passengers needed to respond because weather conditions can change quickly around a cyclone.

Authorities issue these warnings so people can delay journeys, secure homes and follow local safety advice. The article specifically advised passengers to check their flight status with the airline before going to the airport. Such checks help avoid unnecessary travel and reveal cancellations or schedule changes.

The article does not describe how tropical cyclones form. In general, they develop over very warm tropical seas when heat and moisture from the ocean make air rise. This can lower air pressure near the surface and organize thunderstorms around a rotating center. Earth’s rotation helps the circulation develop, provided other atmospheric conditions are favorable.

A mature cyclone keeps drawing energy from warm ocean water. Moist air rises, cools and releases heat, which helps power more thunderstorms and stronger circulation. This process explains why storms often intensify over warm seas. The article identifies Murasu as a severe cyclonic storm over the west central Bay of Bengal.

After landfall, the storm is cut off from its main warm-water energy source. Rough land also creates more friction and disrupts the storm’s circulation. As a result, winds usually weaken, as the IMD expected for Murasu. Rain can still remain heavy after landfall.