Cyclone Murasu approaches Andhra Pradesh coast as red alert issued
The storm is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur as a severe cyclonic storm on November 2 or 3.
Cyclone Murasu is moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast and is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of November 2, according to The Hindu. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated on Sunday that the storm will likely cross the south coast between Nellore and Narsapur during the night of November 2 or the early hours of November 3.
The IMD reported that wind speeds at landfall could reach 100 to 110 kmph, with gusts up to 120 kmph. Initial estimates suggest the storm may hit near Bapatla between late Sunday night and early Monday morning, though experts noted the landfall point could change.
A red alert has been issued for November 2 in the Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, and SPSR Nellore districts due to the possibility of extremely heavy rain. The IMD also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and Telangana on November 2 and 3.
This weather system arrives less than a week after Cyclone Arnab hit the region. The state government estimated losses from Arnab at ₹4,600 crore, noting that the previous storm killed five people and damaged 2,425 km of roads.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has cancelled his scheduled visit to Delhi on Monday due to the cyclone, according to the Chief Minister’s Office.