Cyclone Murasu: Andhra, Odisha, Telangana on Alert as Storm Threatens Heavy Rain Across States

Cyclone Murasu has intensified over the Bay of Bengal and is moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting landfall between Nellore and Narsapur during the night of November 2 and early morning of November 3. The storm is expected to strengthen into a Severe Cyclonic Storm, bringing winds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.

Andhra Pradesh is expected to bear the brunt of the cyclone, with extremely heavy rainfall forecast in Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Guntur and Krishna on November 2. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also expected in East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Palnadu, Tirupati and Chittoor. Alluri Sitharama Raju and Eluru are among the districts facing an extremely heavy rainfall threat on November 3. Strong winds could damage houses, trees and electricity infrastructure, while coastal flooding and waterlogging remain major concerns.

Odisha has declared a high alert in its southern districts. Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on November 3 and 4. Wind speeds could reach 50-60 kmph, with gusts up to 70 kmph. The state government has ordered evacuations from low-lying areas and vulnerable hilly terrain.

Telangana is also expected to experience heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, particularly in Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mahabubabad, Suryapet and Nalgonda. Hyderabad and surrounding areas may receive intermittent showers, with localised waterlogging possible.

In Tamil Nadu, northern coastal districts, including Tiruvallur, Cuddalore and Villupuram, could receive heavy rainfall on November 2 and 3. Chennai may experience showers and thunderstorms, while Puducherry and Karaikal are also likely to receive rain.

Parts of Chhattisgarh are forecast to receive very heavy rainfall on November 3 and 4. Kerala and Karnataka may experience scattered showers and isolated heavy rainfall, while Maharashtra and Goa could receive isolated rain and thunderstorms. Parts of Northeast India, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, are also expected to experience heavy rainfall.

The cyclone is forecast to weaken after landfall, but rainfall may continue across affected regions. The IMD has advised fishermen to stay away from the sea until November 4 as marine conditions are expected to remain dangerous.