What is Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Murasu’ 2026? Check Formation, Landfall, Tracker, Affected Areas, and Latest Updates

Severe Cyclone Murasu 2026 is a severe cyclonic storm that formed in the Bay of Bengal and is now heading for the south Andhra Pradesh coast. IMD reports that it gained strength in the early hours of 2 November 2026 and is likely to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, late on the night of 2-3 November. Winds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph, are expected at landfall. The storm may bring very heavy rain, flooding in low-lying areas, damage to crops and power lines, and disruption to transport in Andhra Pradesh and nearby states.

Cyclone Murasu 2026 Latest Updates

Check the latest updates on Cyclone Murasu 2026: 

1. IMD says the storm will cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole. Landfall is expected from 11:30 pm on 2 November to around 4 am on 3 November.
2. At landfall, winds of 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph, are expected. IMD has not ruled out a further rise to a very severe cyclonic storm before it reaches the coast.
3. The storm was about 200 km east-northeast of Chennai and 210 km east-southeast of Nellore. It was also 270 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam and 260 km southeast of Ongole.
4. The expected landfall point has shifted. It was first estimated between Bapatla and Machilipatnam and is now near Nellore.
5. Schools and colleges in Chennai and Tiruvallur are closed. Eleven flights were cancelled in Chennai and ten at Vijayawada, and IndiGo operations are affected in Visakhapatnam.
6. CM Chandrababu Naidu cancelled his Delhi visit. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan reviewed preparedness and asked officials in Nellore, Prakasam, Markapuram, Bapatla and Krishna to evacuate low-lying areas.
7. Odisha has put Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri on high alert and is speeding up evacuation. NDRF teams have reached Andhra Pradesh.

Source: The Hindu

What Is Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu 2026?

Murasu began as a low-pressure system and became a depression over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. It turned into a cyclonic storm on 1 November and a severe cyclonic storm in the early hours of 2 November. IMD uses the “severe” category when sustained winds are between 89 and 117 kmph. The storm comes only days after Cyclone Arnab hit Andhra Pradesh, which shows how exposed India’s east coast is to post-monsoon cyclones.

Where Did the Name Cyclone ‘Murasu’ Come From?

India proposed the name under the naming system for the North Indian Ocean. Murasu means “war drum”, a traditional drum linked to Tamil culture. IMD, which works as the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre in New Delhi, assigns names from an agreed regional list. Names make warnings easier to understand and prevent confusion when more than one weather system is active.

Cyclone Murasu 2026 Tracker

Check the date-wise Cyclone Murasu 2026 tracker:

1. 31 October: A depression formed over the Bay of Bengal.
2. 1 November: It became Cyclonic Storm Murasu and moved west-northwestwards at about 25 kmph.
3. 2 November: It strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm in the early hours and continued towards Andhra Pradesh.
4. 2-3 November: Landfall is expected near Ongole during the night.
5. 3 November: The system should move inland and weaken into a cyclonic storm, then a deep depression.
6. 4 November: It may weaken further into a depression, though rain and flood risks can continue.

Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu to Hit South Andhra Pradesh: IMD Warnings

Here are the state-wise Cyclone Murasu 2026 IMD warnings:

1. Fishermen: They should not venture out along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast until the afternoon of 4 November. The same applies to the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts until the morning of 4 November, and the south Odisha coast from the evening of 2 November to the afternoon of 4 November.
2. Andhra Pradesh: Very heavy to extremely heavy rain is forecast in coastal districts and Rayalaseema.
3. Telangana: Orange alert for six districts and yellow alert for five. Extremely heavy rain is possible at isolated places on 3 November.
4. Tamil Nadu: Heavy to very heavy rain on 3 November, especially in Tiruvallur.
5. Odisha: Gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are forecast in Ganjam and Gajapati.

What Is the Impact of Cyclone Murasu in India?

1. Flooding: Heavy rain in Eluru, Krishna, NTR and nearby districts can cause waterlogging and river overflow.
2. Structural damage: Gusts of 120 kmph can damage thatched houses, rooftops and hoardings. Around 15,128 electricity poles across 12 districts may be affected.
3. Agriculture: Standing paddy and plantations may suffer. Banana, papaya, coconut and drumstick trees are especially vulnerable.
4. Fishing and transport: Fishing is suspended, and roads, railways and flights may face disruption.
5. Displacement: People in low-lying and weak-house areas may need shelter.
6. Response: Six NDRF and seven SDRF teams are ready. Control rooms and emergency numbers are active, and power teams are on standby.

Difference Between Cyclone Arnab and Cyclone Murasu

Cyclone Arnab, named by Bangladesh, was a very severe cyclonic storm that hit north and coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on the night of 27-28 October 2026, with winds of 125-135 kmph. Cyclone Murasu, named by India, is a weaker severe cyclonic storm with winds of 100-110 kmph, expected to cross the south and central Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole on the night of 2-3 November.

Read About Cyclone Arnab 2026