Cyclone Murasu Approaches Andhra Pradesh Coast; Schools Closed in 3 States

Cyclone Murasu has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, leading authorities in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Telangana to enhance preparedness measures as the storm nears landfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast sustained winds of 100 to 110 kilometers per hour along the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh, accompanied by extremely heavy rainfall across multiple states in the region.

In response to the impending cyclone, schools and colleges have been shut down in several districts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as a precaution. Odisha has also announced closures in certain areas, while Telangana has issued orange and yellow rainfall alerts covering several districts.

Origin and Development of Cyclone Murasu

The weather disturbance that became Cyclone Murasu began as a well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal, including the vicinity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Andaman Sea. The system moved west-northwest, strengthening into a depression by late morning on October 31.

By the early hours of November 1, it had evolved into a deep depression over the southeast and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal. The system then continued its west-northwest trajectory at approximately 23 kilometers per hour, and by late morning on November 1, it intensified further into a cyclonic storm named Murasu—a term contributed by India, meaning 'war drum' under the regional cyclone naming convention.

Early on November 2, the storm gained additional strength, reaching severe cyclonic storm status. This escalation prompted heightened warnings and readiness in the impacted states.

Current Position and Expected Landfall

As of the IMD bulletin issued at 5 a.m. on November 2, Cyclone Murasu was located roughly 260 kilometers east-northeast of Chennai, 290 kilometers east-southeast of Nellore, 320 kilometers south-southeast of Machilipatnam, and 330 kilometers southeast of Ongole.

The cyclone is forecast to make landfall along the southern Andhra Pradesh coast, between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, sometime between 11:30 p.m. on November 2 and 4 a.m. on November 3. Wind speeds along the coast are expected to rise to 100 to 110 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour near the time of landfall.

Impact Zones and Weather Warnings

The effects of Murasu are anticipated to reach beyond Andhra Pradesh, with heavy rainfall predicted in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh as well.

• Andhra Pradesh: Coastal areas are expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall at multiple locations, with some areas facing extremely heavy rainfall on November 2 and 3.
• Tamil Nadu: Districts including Chennai and Tiruvallur have been placed under orange alerts as heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for November 2 and 3.
• Telangana: The state anticipates heavy rainfall from November 2 to 4, with extremely heavy rainfall possible in some locations on November 3. Orange alerts cover Khammam, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Mahabubnagar, Nagarkurnool, and Wanaparthy, while yellow alerts have been issued for Jangaon, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Rangareddy, Hyderabad, and Medchal-Malkajgiri.
• Odisha: Southern regions of Odisha are forecast to receive heavy rainfall beginning November 2, intensifying on November 3 and 4.
• Chhattisgarh: Southern parts of the state can expect heavy rain on November 2, progressing to very heavy rainfall on November 3 and 4.

Precautionary Measures and School Closures

In preparation for the severe weather, local authorities have declared holidays for schools and colleges in several districts to ensure safety and prevent travel in hazardous conditions. Tamil Nadu’s Chennai and Tiruvallur districts have closed educational institutions on November 2. In Andhra Pradesh, closures are in effect in the NTR, Palnadu, Nellore, and Gudur districts. Some facilities may serve as temporary cyclone shelters, and school staff have been advised to remain on call for emergency duties.

Meanwhile, Malkangiri district in Odisha has announced school and college closures from November 2 to 4.

Forecast and Safety Advice

The cyclone is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast late on November 2 or early November 3, but its effects will linger for several days afterward. The IMD projects that Murasu will weaken to a cyclonic storm by the morning of November 3, with wind speeds dropping to 80 to 90 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 100 kilometers per hour.

By late November 3, the system should further degrade into a deep depression with winds around 50 to 60 kilometers per hour, eventually weakening to a depression by the morning of November 4. Rainfall is expected to continue in affected states including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh through November 4, despite the cyclone’s diminishing strength.

The IMD has issued advisories urging fishermen to avoid venturing into the Bay of Bengal and coastal waters near Andhra Pradesh, north Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry during the alert period. Residents in vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas are encouraged to adhere to local authorities’ instructions and stay indoors during the storm’s passage.

This event highlights the ongoing challenges posed by cyclonic storms in the Bay of Bengal region, where timely warnings and coordinated responses remain crucial for minimizing harm and safeguarding communities.