Cyclone Murasu Forms Over Bay of Bengal: Landfall Likely on Andhra Coast on 3 November

Featured photo: A generic storm-cloud photo (Pexels).

A fresh cyclonic storm has formed over the Bay of Bengal, and coastal states are already on alert. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed on Sunday, 1 November 2026, that the deep depression over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclonic Storm Murasu. The storm is now moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, where it is expected to make landfall on the morning of Tuesday, 3 November.

The name Murasu, contributed by India, means 'drum' in Tamil. It is the second cyclonic system to threaten the Andhra coast within days, coming close on the heels of Cyclone Arnab, whose damage in the state is still being assessed.

Where Is the Storm Now?

In its bulletin issued at 11:30 am on Sunday, the IMD placed the system over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. By Sunday afternoon, it was located around 560 km east-southeast of Chennai, 660 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam and 630 km east-southeast of Nellore. The storm is moving west-northwestwards and is expected to strengthen further into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal on 2 November.

When and Where Will It Make Landfall?

The IMD expects Cyclone Murasu to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur between midnight on 2 November and the early hours of 3 November, most likely by the morning of 3 November. At landfall, sustained wind speeds are forecast at 100 to 110 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 120 kmph. Such winds can damage trees, electricity infrastructure and temporary structures, which is why authorities have asked people in coastal districts to stay alert and follow official updates.

Heavy Rain and High Alert in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema on 2 and 3 November, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall in some areas. Southern Odisha is also on high alert: the state government has announced a high alert in its southern region and ordered the evacuation of people from low-lying areas and hilly terrain. Odisha is expected to receive rainfall from 2 November, with intensity increasing on 3 and 4 November under the influence of the cyclone.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Bay of Bengal, as sea conditions are expected to turn rough to very rough, and those already at sea have been asked to return to the coast. The restriction is expected to remain in place until Wednesday afternoon.

What Should People in Coastal Areas Do?

Officials have urged residents of coastal districts to keep track of IMD bulletins, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain and strong winds, and not believe or forward unverified messages on social media. The forecast can still change as the storm moves closer to the coast, so the latest official update matters more than any single early report.

Conclusion

Cyclone Murasu is a reminder of how quickly weather over the Bay of Bengal can change in November. With landfall expected within about two days, the next 48 hours will be crucial for Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha. Preparation now — staying informed, securing loose objects and following evacuation advice where issued — can make a real difference.

Are you in a coastal district, and what preparations have you seen in your area so far? Share your update in the comments.