Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu made landfall along the south Andhra Pradesh coast early on Tuesday, November 3, bringing heavy rainfall and powerful winds of up to 120 kmph to coastal districts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the cyclone crossed the coast between Nellore and Narsapur, close to Ongole in Prakasam district, between 3:30 am and 5:30 am.
The storm brought sustained wind speeds of 100–110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph. It was centred over south coastal Andhra Pradesh near Ongole at 5:30 am, the IMD said.
The cyclone’s impact was felt across several coastal districts, with reports of uprooted trees, damaged electric poles and fishing boats, inundated localities and disruptions to power and communications.
Prakasam, Bapatla, Palnadu and Guntur districts were among the areas affected by the cyclone, according to reports.
The storm damaged houses and boats, affected standing crops and caused flooding in several localities. Thousands of trees were reportedly uprooted, while hundreds of electric poles were damaged.
Kothapatnam in Prakasam district recorded 16.4 cm of rainfall between 8:30 am on Monday and 5 am on Tuesday. Naguluppalapadu in the same district received 11.4 cm, while Chirala in Bapatla recorded 10 cm during the period.
The IMD had warned of a storm surge of around 1–1.5 metres above the astronomical tide during landfall, with low-lying areas of south coastal Andhra Pradesh at risk of inundation. Bapatla, Krishna and Prakasam districts were identified as areas where the peak surge could occur.
After crossing the coast, Murasu is expected to weaken gradually as it moves further inland.
The IMD said the system is likely to weaken into a cyclonic storm by noon on Tuesday, with wind speeds of 80–90 kmph and gusts of up to 100 kmph. It is then expected to weaken further into a deep depression by midnight, with wind speeds of 55–65 kmph and gusts reaching 75 kmph.
Despite the weakening, rainfall may continue across parts of Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states.
The weather department had forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, with extremely heavy rainfall possible at isolated places. Telangana was also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, while parts of Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Chhattisgarh could experience rain and localised heavy spells.
The approaching cyclone had prompted authorities to step up preparedness across the eastern coast.
At least 19 domestic flights were cancelled at Vijayawada, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam airports on Monday. IndiGo cancelled 10 flights and Air India Express two at Vijayawada Airport, while four flights were cancelled at Visakhapatnam and three at Tirupati.
Disaster response teams were also placed on alert, with teams from Tamil Nadu deployed to assist Andhra Pradesh. Coastal authorities had been preparing for heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible flooding ahead of the cyclone’s arrival.
The IMD has said Murasu will continue moving north-northwestwards and weaken as it travels inland.
However, the cyclone’s weakening does not mean the immediate risk has ended. Heavy rain, strong winds and localised flooding may continue in affected areas as the system moves across south coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Residents in vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas are advised to follow official weather updates and instructions issued by local authorities.