Severe Cyclone Murasu is forecast to cross Andhra Pradesh near Ongole overnight, bringing destructive winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding risks, according to the IMD.
The crossing is expected between 11.30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3, 2026. Forecast winds are 100–110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph.
Report basis: IMD’s November 2 morning bulletins, including its coastal update issued at 9.22 am IST.
Key Highlights
- Landfall forecast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole.
- Isolated extremely heavy rain forecast in coastal Andhra Pradesh.
- Storm surge warning covers low-lying southern coastal areas.
- School closures vary by district; follow local orders.
Cyclone Murasu Landfall Time and Latest Position
At 5.30 am IST on November 2, Murasu was about 260 km southeast of Ongole, according to the IMD marine bulletin carried by the World Meteorological Organization.
The same update placed the storm 210 km east-southeast of Nellore and 200 km east-northeast of Chennai. Those distances describe its position at that observation time. They should not be treated as a continuously updating location.
IMD expects a northwestward movement towards the Andhra coast. Its official cyclone update on X also gives the overnight crossing forecast.
“Near Ongole” identifies the forecast crossing area, not a boundary beyond which conditions are safe. Residents elsewhere along the affected coast still need their district’s warning.
Rainfall Alerts Across Andhra Pradesh and Nearby States
The IMD national cyclone bulletin forecasts rain beyond the immediate landfall area:
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh: Isolated extremely heavy rainfall on November 2 and 3, followed by isolated heavy rain on November 4.
- Rayalaseema and Tamil Nadu: Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall on November 2 and 3.
- Telangana: Isolated extremely heavy rainfall on November 3.
- South Odisha: Isolated heavy rain on November 2, increasing to heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places on November 3 and 4.
An overnight coastal crossing does not mean inland rain warnings end the following morning. Anyone travelling on November 3 should check conditions along the route as well as at the destination.
Storm Surge, Port Warnings and Sea Restrictions
IMD’s 9.22 am coastal bulletin warns of a 1–1.5 metre storm surge above astronomical tide in low-lying parts of south coastal Andhra Pradesh. The highest surge is expected over Bapatla, with Krishna and Prakasam also highlighted.
That measurement describes an additional rise in sea level above the predicted tide. It is not a wave-height forecast.
The bulletin records different port signals along the coast:
| Port | Warning signal |
| Nizampatnam and Vadarevu | Great Danger Signal X |
| Machilipatnam | Great Danger Signal IX |
| Krishnapatnam | Great Danger Signal VIII |
These are port-specific signals, not interchangeable district-wide rainfall alerts. Follow harbour instructions rather than using a neighbouring port’s signal to judge local conditions.
The national bulletin advises fishermen against venturing along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast from November 2 morning through November 4 afternoon.
School Closures and Safety Advice
District-wise closure reporting identifies holidays in Chennai and Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu, Palnadu in Andhra Pradesh, and Malkangiri in Odisha. Malkangiri’s closure runs from November 2 to 4.
A weather alert alone does not establish a school holiday. Parents should use the district administration’s notice or the institution’s message before making travel plans.
Government cyclone safety guidance advises residents to:
- Leave low-lying coastal areas early when instructed to evacuate.
- Carry essential medicines and drinking water to the designated shelter.
- Remain sheltered until authorities permit departure.
- Keep away from loose or dangling electrical wires.
A temporary lull is not permission to go outside. Strong winds may return if the cyclone’s centre passes nearby.
Check the latest IMD cyclone bulletins and district orders before travelling or returning home. Share the dated official warning with relatives in affected areas.
FAQs
Has Cyclone Murasu already made landfall?
The morning bulletins cited here forecast landfall overnight on November 2–3. They do not confirm a completed crossing; check later IMD updates for that confirmation.
Are 120 kmph winds expected everywhere?
No. The 120 kmph figure refers to forecast gusts near landfall. Local wind conditions vary, so residents need the warning issued for their specific area.
Can coastal flooding occur without heavy local rain?
Yes. A storm surge raises sea levels above the predicted tide and may flood low-lying coastal land. Local rainfall alone does not describe that coastal risk.
Are all schools in Andhra Pradesh closed?
The reporting cited here identifies Palnadu, not a statewide closure. Parents elsewhere should confirm their district’s order and school notice rather than assume the same holiday applies.
Is it safe to leave shelter when winds ease?
Remain sheltered until authorities permit to leave. Government guidance warns that a lull during the cyclone’s passage may be followed by strong winds from another direction.
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