Cyclone Murasu forms over Bay of Bengal, heading for Andhra coast
Odisha districts are on alert for thunderstorms and winds of up to 70 kmph as the storm intensifies.
Cyclonic Storm Murasu has formed over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, according to reports by Sambad English and Urban Acres.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the storm was located over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal at 11.30 am. The system is moving at 27 kmph and is predicted to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by the morning of November 2.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall between 11.30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3, with sustained wind speeds of 100-110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra noted that Murasu could cross the coast approximately 150 km south of where Cyclone Arnab made landfall.
Odisha is bracing for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. An orange warning has been issued for Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, and Ganjam for November 3 and 4, with wind gusts potentially reaching 70 kmph in southern districts.
Yellow warnings have been issued for several other areas, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Cuttack, where heavy rain and winds are expected. The IMD cautioned that landslides remain possible in southern Odisha and warned of potential disruptions to power supply and road travel.