Heavy rainfall and strong winds lash coastal Andhra Pradesh as Cyclone Murasu makes landfall

New Delhi:- Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu has crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole in Prakasam district during the early hours today, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal areas. The storm made landfall between Nellore and Narsapur, with sustained wind speeds of 100 to 110 kilometres per hour and gusts reaching 120 kilometres per hour.

According to the India Meteorological Department, the cyclone had been moving northwestwards over the west-central Bay of Bengal before crossing the coast. Heavy rainfall and strong winds have been reported in and around Ongole.

The outer rain bands of the cyclone have also brought continuous rainfall to Puducherry since midnight, affecting normal life. North Tamil Nadu is also experiencing rainfall under its influence.

Landfall process continues. In the forward sector of cyclone, major part of wall cloud entered into land and eye is entering the coast. pic.twitter.com/tER5mvyiF8

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) November 2, 2026

The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The weather system is expected to gradually weaken after moving inland, becoming a cyclonic storm by this morning, a deep depression by this evening and a depression by Wednesday morning.

The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea due to rough conditions and strong winds. Fishing restrictions along the Andhra Pradesh coast are expected to remain in force until the afternoon of November 4.

The IMD had also warned of a storm surge of around one to one-and-a-half metres above the astronomical tide level, which could inundate low-lying coastal areas. Bapatla, Krishna and Prakasam districts were identified as particularly vulnerable to coastal flooding.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh authorities have undertaken evacuation measures in vulnerable coastal areas. Around 2,000 people had been evacuated, with the administration planning to shift approximately 30,000 people to safer locations. Disaster response teams have been kept on alert for rescue and relief operations.

The outer rain bands of Murasu have also brought continuous rainfall to Puducherry and parts of north Tamil Nadu since midnight, disrupting normal life. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Tamil Nadu, south Odisha and south Chhattisgarh as well.

The weather system is expected to gradually weaken after moving inland. The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal waters, with rough to very rough sea conditions expected to persist. Fishing restrictions are likely to remain in force until November 4.