Cyclone Murasu 2026: Severe Cyclonic Storm Heads Towards Andhra Pradesh, Landfall Expected on November 3

A severe cyclonic storm, Murasu, formed in the west-central Bay of Bengal and is now approaching the south coast of Andhra Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the storm will hit the south coasts of Andhra Pradesh between Nellore and Narsapur near Ongole, around midnight to early morning on 3rd November 2026. The storm may bring sustained wind speeds of 100- 110 km/h and gusts of 120kmph. There is likely to be heavy rain and rough seas. A red alert has been issued for Andhra Pradesh and north Tamil Nadu.

Cyclone Murasu 2026 – IMD Update

The system was originated in the Bay of Bengal and it has strengthened from a depression to a deep depression, then a cyclonic storm on 1st November. It has now strengthened further to become a Severe Cyclonic Storm.

It was located near 13.9°N, 81.8°E at 5:30am IST on 2nd November. This puts it around 200km east-northeast of Chennai, 210km east-southeast of Nellore and 260km southeast of Ongole.

The system is moving west-northwest and is set to hit the south coast of Andhra Pradesh. Wind speeds of 100-110kmph are expected with gusts of 120kmph.
Mausam+2

Landfall Expected Between Nellore and Narsapur

The IMD has said that the cyclone is expected to hit the south coast of Andhra Pradesh between Nellore and Narsapur near Ongole as a severe cyclonic storm. The landfall is expected to occur between midnight on 2nd November and early morning on 3rd November.

Wind speeds of,

• Parameter: IMD Prediction
• Cyclone Type: Severe Cyclonic Storm
• Expected Landfall: 2-3rd November 2026
• Coastline: Nellore-Narsapur, near Ongole
• Wind Speed: 100-110kmph
• Max Gusts: Up to 120kmph
• Direction: Northwest

Heavy Rain, Storm Surge Alert for Andhra Pradesh

The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. Seas are expected to become very rough.

A storm surge warning has been issued for coastal areas in south Andhra Pradesh. During landfall, a storm surge of about 1.0-1.5m above astronomical tide levels is likely to cause flooding to low-lying areas, according to the IMD coastal weather bulletin issued at 9.22am on 2nd November.

The greatest surge will be seen over Bapatla, Krishna, and Prakasam.

The IMD reports that warning signals have been raised for ports. Great Danger Signal No.X has been raised for Nizampatnam and Vadarevu. Great Danger Signal No.IX has been raised for Machilipatnam Port. Great Danger Signal

No.VIII has been raised for Krishnapatnam Port. Local Cautionary Signal No.III has been raised for several ports in the north, including Visakhapatnam, Bheemunipatnam, Gangavaram and Kakinada.

What does Murasu mean and who named the cyclone?

The cyclone has been named ‘Murasu’. This name was submitted by India as part of the naming system for tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean. ‘Murasu’ translates to ‘drum’.

Names for cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are chosen from lists submitted by countries in the region. These names are used by the India Meteorological Department’s Regional Specialized Meteorological Center in New Delhi.