Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Murasu’ in the Bay of Bengal

On November 2, 2026, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) classified Cyclone ‘Murasu’, active in the Bay of Bengal, as a severe cyclonic storm.

Key Facts

Position of the Cyclone: At 5:30 AM on November 2, Murasu was centered 210 km east-southeast of Nellore and 200 km east-northeast of Chennai.
Naming of the Cyclone: The name ‘Murasu’ was proposed by India. In the Tamil language, ‘Murasu’ refers to a traditional drum. It was included in the WMO/ESCAP naming list adopted in 2020.
Direction of Movement: According to the IMD, the cyclone moved in a west-northwest direction at a speed of 25 km/h over the past six hours.
Landfall Forecast: The cyclone is forecasted to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between the night of November 2 and the morning of November 3.
Expected Landfall Site: The IMD indicated that the cyclone is likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast close to Ongole, between Nellore and Narsapur.
Wind Speed: During landfall, maximum sustained wind speeds are expected to reach 100–110 km/h, gusting up to 120 km/h.
Weather Warning: A red alert/message regarding the cyclone was issued for coastal Andhra Pradesh and north Tamil Nadu. Fishermen in maritime zones have been advised to exercise caution and avoid venturing into the sea.