Severe cyclonic storm Murusu crosses Andhra coast, triggers heavy rainfall

A severe cyclonic storm is a powerful tropical storm classified by sustained wind speed. In this report, Murusu had winds of 100–110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. That intensity made it stronger than the later stages forecast for the storm.

The IMD expected Murusu to weaken into a cyclonic storm by noon. That stage has winds of 80–90 kmph, with gusts up to 100 kmph. By midnight, it was expected to become a deep depression, with winds of 55–65 kmph and gusts up to 75 kmph.

These categories matter because they show how dangerous a storm remains and guide warnings and preparations. Even after weakening, Murusu could still bring damaging winds and heavy rain. The article reports uprooted trees, power disruptions, and continued concern in coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Murusu crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast at Kothapatnam, near Ongole in Prakasam district. The landfall began around 1am on Tuesday, according to State Disaster Management Authority managing director Prakhar Jain. The storm’s outer bands had crossed the coast completely by 5.30am.

The IMD said the system crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narasapur, close to Ongole. It moved north-northwestwards at eight kmph for six hours. Winds in the landfall region were measured at 100–110 kmph, while the strongest gusts reached 120 kmph.

The location and timing mattered because coastal communities faced the storm’s most powerful winds overnight. Around Ongole, the winds uprooted trees and disrupted electricity. Heavy rain also affected nearby districts, so officials urged people in vulnerable areas to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

The affected districts received intense rainfall as Murusu crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast. The article reports totals measured up to 6am Tuesday, showing that rain remained substantial during and shortly after landfall. Parts of Prakasam, Bapatla, West Godavari, and Konaseema were particularly affected.

Naguluppalapadu in Prakasam district recorded the highest total, at 198.01 mm. Kothapatnam received 182.25 mm. Other reported totals included 128.53 mm at Bapatla, 124.10 mm at Chirala, and 116.93 mm at Trovagunta in Prakasam district.

Ongole Urban recorded 106.97 mm, while Chilakapadu received 104.50 mm. These figures show how concentrated the rainfall was along the coastal belt. Officials warned that heavy rain could continue after landfall, increasing the need for caution in vulnerable areas and during travel.

Murusu immediately affected both communities and essential infrastructure in coastal Andhra Pradesh. Strong gale-force winds swept the coastal belt, especially around Ongole and neighbouring areas. Heavy rainfall added to the danger, with officials remaining concerned even after the storm crossed the coast.

In the landfall region, winds reached 100–110 kmph, with gusts up to 120 kmph. These winds uprooted trees around Ongole and disrupted electricity supplies. Heavy rain was reported in parts of Prakasam, Bapatla, West Godavari, and Konaseema districts, with Naguluppalapadu recording 198.01 mm.

The immediate response focused on public safety and coordination. Officials advised people in vulnerable coastal areas to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow instructions. The SDMA and Real-Time Governance Society monitored conditions and coordinated the response while rain and strong winds continued.

Crossing the coast does not immediately end a cyclone’s effects. A storm is a large system, not just a single point at its centre. Its outer rain bands and wind fields can continue moving over land after the centre has made landfall.

Murusu’s landfall began around 1am, but its outer bands crossed the coast completely only by 5.30am. The article reports strong winds across the coastal belt and heavy rainfall in several districts after the crossing. Naguluppalapadu recorded 198.01 mm by 6am, showing how intense the rain remained.

Cyclones generally weaken over land because they lose access to warm ocean water, their main energy source. However, weakening takes time, and the storm can still produce damaging winds and rain. Officials therefore stressed continued vigilance, especially in vulnerable coastal areas, even after landfall was complete.

The India Meteorological Department provides the storm’s official assessment and forecasts. In this case, it reported Murusu’s north-northwestward movement, its speed of eight kmph, landfall location, wind strength, and expected weakening. These details help authorities issue warnings and prepare communities.

The State Disaster Management Authority and the Real-Time Governance Society monitored the developing situation and coordinated the response. SDMA managing director Prakhar Jain shared updates about the timing of landfall, the crossing of the outer bands, rainfall risks, and safety measures. Their work connected weather information with local action.

Officials used these assessments to advise people in vulnerable coastal areas to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow instructions. Monitoring remained necessary after landfall because heavy rain and strong winds were expected to continue. This coordination supports faster decisions about public safety and emergency management.

Tropical cyclones usually form over very warm ocean water, where evaporation adds moisture to the air. Warm, moist air rises and creates lower pressure near the surface. As air flows inward, Earth’s rotation helps organize the circulation, while thunderstorms release heat and strengthen the system. This process can produce a rotating storm.

A cyclone’s strength depends on continued access to warm, moist ocean air. Its rain bands and winds are organized around a broad circulation, so the effects can extend far beyond the centre. Murusu showed this pattern: its landfall began around 1am, while its outer bands crossed completely by 5.30am.

After moving over land, a cyclone usually weakens because it is cut off from warm ocean water. Land also creates more friction and disrupts the storm’s circulation. However, weakening is gradual. Murusu was expected to remain capable of strong winds and heavy rainfall after crossing the coast.