Cyclone Murasu Live updates: Cyclone Murasu nears A.P. coast, heavy rain alert issued

The cyclone remains close to the coast, moving at 8 kmph during the past six hours. It is currently 50 km from Kavali and Ongole, 90 km from Nellore and 150 km from Machilipatnam. The landfall process is expected to begin within one to two hours.

Its outer bands have entered South Coastal Andhra, bringing heavy rainfall, said APSDMA MD Prakhar Jain.

Prakasam District Collector P. Raja Babu conducted a surprise inspection of the command control room at the Collectorate around midnight on November 3 to review cyclone Murasu preparedness.

He urged people to remain alert during landfall and directed officials to promptly clear fallen trees, restore damaged power lines and ensure immediate restoration of electricity supply in Kothapatnam.

The Andhra Pradesh government sounded an alert in five districts – Bapatla, Palnadu, Markapuram, SPSR Nellore, and Prakasam – as the severe cyclonic storm, Murasu, stayed on course to make landfall between Ongole and Nellore on the intervening night of November 2-3.

The storm is expected to bring very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to these districts, which reported a rain deficit during the monsoon.

The usually calm fishing village of Kothapatnam, about 18 km from Ongole, was buzzing with activity on Monday (November 2, 2026) as fishermen hurriedly secured their boats along the shore in preparation for the approaching Cyclone Murasu. The sea, which had remained relatively calm in the morning, began to witness higher tides after 5 p.m., adding to concerns among coastal residents.

With cyclone Murasu posing a potential threat to pilgrim movement in Tirumala, TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary on Monday directed officials to step up precautionary measures to ensure uninterrupted darshan, sheltered distribution of food and the safety of devotees throughout their pilgrimage.

At least 19 domestic flights were cancelled across three airports - Vijayawada, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam - in Andhra Pradesh on Monday due to severe cyclonic storm Murasu.

Vijayawada Airport director M Lakshmi Kantha Reddy said IndiGo airline has cancelled 10 flights and Air India Express two.

Visakhapatnam Airport (Bhogapuram) has cancelled four flights, an official from the GMR Group said.

Tirupati Airport director D Boominathan noted that IndiGo cancelled flights to Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru.- PTI

In the backdrop of the Murasu cyclone, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) 10th Battalion has undertaken extensive preparations.

It has deployed a total of 14 NDRF teams—11 from Andhra Pradesh and 03 from Tamil Nadu—to areas likely to be affected by the cyclone.

- PIB

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to take all precautionary measures to prevent loss of life and property in Bapatla district in view of Cyclone Murasu, which has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. 

He reviewed the preparedness of district administrations through a video conference on Monday (November 2, 2026), attended by Bapatla Collector Vinod Kumar V.

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Owing to waterlogging, several bus route roads in Chennai have started falling apart, as the northern and central regions of the city received widespread heavy rainfall due to Cyclone Murasu since Sunday (November 1, 2026) night.

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A name rooted in Tamil’s cultural past is travelling across the Bay of Bengal as a weather warning. As the severe cyclonic storm advances towards the Indian coast, ‘Murasu’, a Tamil name suggested by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has found its place in the region’s meteorological history.

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With Cyclone Murasu likely to make landfall at Andhra Pradesh coast between evening of Monday (November 2, 2026) and early morning of Wednesday (November 3, 2026), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for two Telangana districts and an orange alert in three districts for Tuesday (November 3, 2026).

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Cyclone Murasu has brought heavy rain to Konaseema in Andhra Pradesh, flooding homes and leaving elderly residents struggling. 

Farmers are still recovering from damage caused by Cyclone Arnab, while power restoration has also been delayed.

-PTI

The IMD said Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rain today (November 2), with isolated very heavy rain, and isolated heavy rain again on November 3 and from November 5 to 7. 

Gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, are likely till November 4. Isolated to scattered rain is likely till November 8.

The IMD said fairly widespread to widespread rain is likely over Kerala and Mahe from November 2 to 8, with isolated heavy rain from November 2 to 4 and on November 7 and 8. Gusty winds of 30-40 kmph, gusting to 50 kmph, are likely till November 6.

The IMD said Telangana is likely to receive heavy to very heavy rain on November 2 and 3, with isolated extremely heavy rain on November 3. Thundersquall winds of 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph, are likely on November 3, and isolated heavy rain on November 4.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema are likely to see heavy to very heavy rain on November 2 and 3, 2026, with isolated extremely heavy rain. 

Thundersquall winds of 100-110 kmph, gusting to 115 kmph, are likely over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on both days, and 70-80 kmph over Rayalaseema. Strong surface winds are likely till November 4.

Tamil Nadu Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar said Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu called Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay seeking support, as Andhra Pradesh has faced several cyclones in the past month. 

He said Tamil Nadu was sending 25 teams with equipment to Andhra Pradesh today (November 2, 2026) to work on power restoration, and that 14 districts in Tamil Nadu had been identified for the cyclone.

-ANI

Severe cyclonic storm Murasu moved west-northwestwards at 14 kmph over the past six hours and lay centred at 11.30 a.m. IST today (November 2, 2026), about 120 km east-southeast of Nellore and 170 km northeast of Chennai. 

The IMD said it was still very likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, south of Ongole, between 11.30 p.m. today and 4 a.m. on November 3, with winds of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph.

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) said the severe cyclone is centred 120 km from Nellore, 140 km from Kavali, 170 km from Tirupati, 180 km from Ongole and 200 km from Bapatla, today (November 2, 2026).

The first rain from Cyclone Murasu has fallen in north coastal Andhra Pradesh, far from where the storm is headed. The central and south coastal districts, which are on red alert, were yet to see any major rainfall on Monday (November 2, 2026).

Kakinada (Rural) mandal recorded the most rain between 8.30 a.m. and noon, 51.75 mm at the MRO office gauge, according to real-time data from the Andhra Pradesh Directorate of Economics and Statistics (APDES). 

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IMD Bhubaneswar director Manorama Mohanty said Odisha is likely to see light to moderate rain at many places over the next 24 hours, with isolated heavy rain in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri. 

A fishermen warning has been issued from November 2 to 4 for squally weather, rain over coastal areas and high winds, and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.

-ANI

Fisheries Department officials rescued seven fishermen when their boat was caught in rough seas near Juvvaladinne village in Sri Potti Sriramulu (SPSR) Nellore district on Monday (November 2, 2026).

Photo: Special Arrangement

The Odisha government on Monday (November 2, 2026) expedited the evacuation of people from vulnerable areas. 

Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said southern districts Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri were on high alert, with more than 300 NDRF, ODRAF and Fire Service teams pre-positioned. Heavy rain with gusty winds of 40-50 kmph is forecast for parts of Gajapati and Ganjam.

-PTI

Chennai International Airport, in a post on social media platform X, said eleven flights have been cancelled to and from Chennai owing to the Cyclone. IndiGo has also confirmed in a post on X that “flight operations to and from Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Tirupati are impacted.”

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Ten IndiGo flights scheduled from Gannavaram Airport today (November 2, 2026) were cancelled, affecting passengers travelling to and from Vijayawada. Passengers have been advised to check flight status with the airline before heading to the airport.

-ANI

A total of eleven flights arriving and departing from Chennai airport has been cancelled due to cyclone Murasu on Monday (November 2, 2026).

In a statement, Airports Authority of India (AAI) said, flights to and from destinations including Vijayawada, Kadapa, Rajahmundry and Tiruchi will be cancelled.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said severe cyclonic storm ‘Murasu’ lay over the west-central Bay of Bengal at 8.30 a.m. IST today (November 2, 2026), about 160 km east-southeast of Nellore and 180 km northeast of Chennai, moving west-northwestwards at 22 kmph.

It is very likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast, between Nellore and Narsapur and south of Ongole, between 11.30 p.m. today and 4 a.m. on November 3, with winds of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph.

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Northern Tamil Nadu received heavy rain, and several places in Chennai were inundated, as Cyclone Murasu lay about 250-260 km from Chennai, heading for landfall over south coastal Andhra Pradesh. Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur have had torrential rain since Sunday night, with Madhavaram recording 11 cm, and Ennore Port and Nungambakkam 10 cm each over 24 hours.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Chennai, and schools in the city have a holiday today (November 2, 2026). Chennai Airport authorities said certain flights have been cancelled, and passengers have been asked to contact their airlines.

-PTI

Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu was centred about 180 km north-east of Chennai and 160 km east-south-east of Nellore at 8.30 a.m. on Monday (November 2, 2026), the IMD said in a post on X. It is very likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, south of Ongole, from 11.30 p.m. on Monday to 4 a.m. on Tuesday (November 3, 2026).

Wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph, are expected at landfall.

The northeast monsoon has finally arrived in Tamil Nadu. Chennai experienced an average rainfall of 76.07 mm in the 24 hours until 6 a.m. on November 2, according to the Chennai Corporation’s Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).

As the cyclonic storm, Murasu, moves towards the A.P. coast, the State has deployed six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and seven State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams in districts likely to be affected by the cyclone.

According to information from the A.P. State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), the landfall point is likely to be Ongole and in this connection, two teams each have been stationed in the districts of Krishna, Bapatla, Guntur, Nellore and Prakasam, while one team each has been deployed in Markapuram, Palnadu and Tirupati districts. Additional teams are also available for deployment if required. -- The Hindu Bureau

In the summer of 1997, one of the strongest El Niños of the 20th century took shape in the Pacific Ocean. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted a monsoon rainfall deficit of 8% below the average, as was expected in El Niño years. However, by the end of September that year, rainfall levels were nearly normal.

The Bapatla district administration has stepped up preparedness to tackle Cyclone Murasu, with heavy rainfall expected across the district and substantial inflows from neighbouring Guntur, Palnadu, Prakasam and Markapuram regions. District Collector Dr. Vinod Kumar V. has directed officials to take all precautionary measures.

The Collector said the cyclone was likely to cross the coast between Nellore and Ongole between Monday (November 2, 2026) night and the early hours of Tuesday (November 3, 2026). -- The Hindu Bureau

All Anganwadi centres, schools and junior colleges in Guntur district will remain closed on Monday (November 2, 2026), in view of the heavy rainfall warning issued due to Cyclone Murasu, District Collector C.M. Saikanth Varma announced.

The holiday applies to educational institutions under all managements. The Collector cautioned that the cyclone could bring strong winds and heavy rainfall and advised people not to venture outdoors unless absolutely necessary. -- The Hindu Bureau

Odisha’s death toll in Cyclone Arnab rose to six on Sunday, while 10 remained missing as the state announced a special package for affected families and braced for another storm that is likely to hit the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh coast on November 3.

With Cyclone Murasu approaching, work was underway on two fronts: relief and rescue of people affected by Arnab and preparation for the impending calamity, said Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh P. Patil.

Power supply restoration has been accelerated in the cyclone-affected areas of southern Odisha with more than 6,400 staff deployed.

-PTI

In its nowcast, valid till 10 am on Monday, the RMC has forecast light to moderate rainfall in isolated places of Chennai and Chengalpattu districts. It has cautioned about possible waterlogging and slippery roads in some areas. Traffic may be affected.

-K. Lakshmi

Cyclonic Storm ‘Murasu’ intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over the West Central and Southwest Bay of Bengal in the early hours on Monday (November 2).

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Schools and colleges in several districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai and Tiruvallur, are closed on Monday (November 2, 2026), as a precaution ahead of heavy rainfall expected to be caused by Severe Cyclone ‘Murasu’, the collectors of the districts announced.

Cyclone Murasu is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm over the West Central Bay of Bengal during the next 3 hours, IMD said at 2 a.m. on November 2.

“Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speed of 100 to 110 kmph gusting 120 kmph between Nellore and Narsapur close to Ongole during midnight (2330 Hrs IST) of 2nd to early hours (0400 Hrs IST) of 3rd November, 2026,” IMD added.

Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner G.S. Sameeran inspected the situation across the city at the ICCC in Ripon Buildings after rains continuously hit from Sunday night till the next day.

He also checked the Buckingham Canal at the Besant Nagar stagnation in Triplicane.

As the cyclonic storm, Murasu, moves towards the A.P. coast, the State has deployed six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and seven State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams in districts likely to be affected by the cyclone.

According to information from the A.P. State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), the landfall point is likely to be Ongole and in this connection, two teams each have been stationed in the districts of Krishna, Bapatla, Guntur, Nellore and Prakasam, while one team each has been deployed in Markapuram, Palnadu and Tirupati districts. Additional teams are also available for deployment if required.

People can report any cyclone-related problems to officials through the Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance service at 95523 00009. For emergency assistance and information, they can also contact the Disaster Management Authority’s toll-free numbers 112, 1070 and 18004250101.

Nellore Sravani reports

The cyclonic storm centred about 350 km east of Chennai, 400 km east-southeast of Nellore, 430 km southeast of Machilipatnam, 420 km east-southeast of Kavali, 450 km southeast of Ongole, and 520 km south of Visakhapatnam, according to IMD.

With Cyclone Murasu, which is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on the morning of Tuesday (November 3), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert in six Telangana districts and a yellow alert in five districts for Monday (November 2).

The rain forecast under the impact of cyclonic storm Murasu (war drum) in various districts of Telangana from Monday to Wednesday (November 2 to 4) is giving jitters to farmers whose paddy and cotton crops are in various stages of cultivation.

Chennai District Collector S. Malathi Helen and Tiruvallur District Collector S. Kavitha last night announced a holiday for schools and colleges on Monday.

According to data from the Regional Meteorological Centre here, till 10.30 p.m. on Sunday, in Chennai district, the Nungambakkam station recorded 20.4 mm of rainfall, Meenambakkam recorded 4.9 mm, YMCA Nandanam recorded 13.5 mm, Ennore Port 39 mm, Madhavaram 21 mm, Anna University 10.5 mm and Taramani 7.5 mm.

In Tiruvallur district, Puzhal recorded 11 mm, Poonamallee 0.5 mm, and in Chengalpattu district, VIT Chennai recorded 0.5 mm of rainfall.

In the wake of the cyclone, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu today called Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to seek assistance from the T.N. government for the restoration of power systems, according to the A.P. CM office.

Mr. Naidu requested that manpower and machinery be sent for restoration, as a large number of power poles were damaged due to the Murasu cyclone.

Mr. Vijay has reportedly responded positively to the request.

Palnadu District Collector Kritika Shukla has announced holiday for all government and private schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres on Tuesday (November 2) in view of Cyclone Murasu.

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