Cyclone Murasu landfall is forecast for late Monday night or the early hours of Tuesday, with the severe cyclonic storm expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole. The India Meteorological Department's latest bulletin available at 2:30 p.m. on November 2 projected sustained winds of 100 to 110 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. The forecast window runs from 11:30 p.m. Monday to 4 a.m. Tuesday, so coastal communities remain within the immediate danger period.
The latest track and timing
The storm was moving northwest over the west-central Bay of Bengal. The forecast placed its crossing south of Ongole, between Nellore and Narsapur. The projected landfall zone is a corridor rather than a single town, and the precise point can shift as the system approaches the coast. Residents should follow the latest district and IMD bulletins instead of relying on an earlier map or a single forecast point.
The official warning identifies the system as a Severe Cyclonic Storm and carries a red message for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coastal areas. The timing is especially important because the expected crossing overlaps late-night hours, when travel, outdoor work and evacuation can become more difficult. Authorities have urged people in vulnerable locations to remain in safe places and comply with local instructions.
Wind, rainfall and coastal flooding risks
The forecast wind range is capable of damaging temporary structures, uprooting trees and disrupting electricity. Gusts may be stronger than the sustained wind, which is why loose roofing, signs, outdoor equipment and unsecured objects can become dangerous even away from the storm's centre. Coastal communities should avoid beaches, harbours and exposed roads while conditions deteriorate.
Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is also expected in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam. Rainfall can produce flash flooding, rapid rises in streams and waterlogging, particularly where drainage is limited. The combination of rain, wind and high seas can complicate emergency response. A location outside the forecast landfall corridor can still experience hazardous weather from the storm's outer bands.
Preparedness across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states
State and district authorities have been preparing for the storm through warnings, response-team readiness and evacuation measures in vulnerable areas. The National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force have teams on standby. Officials have also been monitoring water levels, transport operations and essential supplies in districts expected to experience the strongest conditions.
Residents should keep phones charged, secure important documents, prepare essential medicines and follow evacuation instructions where issued. People in low-lying coastal settlements should not wait for visible flooding before moving when directed. Fishing activity should remain suspended in the warned waters, and boats should stay secured in safe harbours. The official advisory takes precedence over informal social-media updates.
Chennai and Tamil Nadu are also affected
The cyclone's approach has already brought heavy rain and waterlogging to parts of northern Tamil Nadu, including Chennai. The city has faced localised flooding and transport disruption as rain bands move through the region. Authorities have issued weather alerts and advised people to avoid unnecessary movement through flooded streets, where water depth and current can be difficult to judge.
Tamil Nadu is not the projected landfall state, but the storm's circulation can affect a broad area. Rainfall, gusty winds and rough seas may extend beyond the immediate crossing zone. Coastal residents should heed local alerts, and motorists should avoid underpasses or low-lying roads when water accumulates. The forecast for each district may change as new bulletins are issued.
Transport and public services face disruption
Cyclone-related weather has already affected regional aviation, with cancellations reported at airports in Andhra Pradesh and Chennai. Flight schedules can change quickly as wind and rainfall conditions evolve, so passengers should check directly with their airline before travelling to the airport. Similar precautions apply to bus, rail and road journeys near the coast.
Power interruptions, fallen trees and temporary road closures are possible during and after landfall. Emergency crews may need to clear routes before ordinary traffic can resume. Residents should avoid approaching downed power lines and report hazards through local emergency channels. Public services may also adjust schedules to protect staff and passengers during the warning period.
What happens after landfall
The cyclone is expected to weaken as it moves inland, but weakening does not mean the danger ends immediately. Heavy rainfall can continue after the centre crosses the coast, and rivers, drains and reservoirs may respond with a delay. The storm's track after landfall will determine which inland districts receive the heaviest rain and how long travel disruption persists.
The next official bulletin will be important for refining the crossing time, wind field and post-landfall rainfall outlook. Forecasts should be read as evolving guidance, not guarantees. Residents should rely on IMD, state disaster-management authorities and district administration updates, and should not return to evacuated areas until officials say it is safe.
A narrow window for precaution
With the expected landfall window beginning late Monday, the remaining hours are a critical period for preparation. The most useful actions are practical: follow evacuation orders, stay away from the coast and floodwater, secure property where safe, and keep emergency supplies accessible. People should not attempt to film the storm from beaches, bridges or exposed roads.
Cyclone Murasu is a serious weather threat because high winds, heavy rainfall and coastal hazards are arriving together. The forecast corridor and timing provide a guide for readiness, but local instructions will determine where immediate action is required.
PUBLISHED BY SUYASH PACHAURI, FOUNDER & OWNER, GLOBAL BOLLYWOOD | THE HOLLYWOOD SCOPE.