Coastal belts along eastern and southern India are bracing for significant atmospheric turbulence as a fresh tropical system named Murasu intensifies over oceanic waters. Having barely navigated the disruptive aftermath left behind by the preceding storm Anarb, disaster response mechanisms are once again on heightened readiness. Updated trajectory projections from the India Meteorological Department confirm that this low-pressure circulation is consolidating swiftly. Its anticipated landfall trajectory points straight toward southern Andhra Pradesh, bringing an impending spell of torrential downpours and aggressive surface gales capable of widespread structural disruption.
Current Coordinates, Path, and Projected Landfall
Observations recorded at 11:30 hours on November 1 placed the centre of the cyclonic formation across the southwest and adjoining west-central sectors of the Bay of Bengal. Its core was positioned approximately 560 kilometres east-southeast of Chennai, around 660 kilometres south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, and roughly 630 kilometres east-southeast of Nellore. Moving forward at a steady pace of 23 kilometres per hour over the previous six-hour window, the system successfully transitioned from a deep depression into a full-fledged cyclone.
Atmospheric models indicate that Murasu will escalate into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of November 2. Continuing its northwestward progression, the storm's vortex is forecast to cross the south Andhra Pradesh shoreline between Nellore and Narsapur during a critical window spanning 23:30 hours on November 2 through 04:00 hours on November 3. During the landfall phase, sustained wind velocities are expected to fluctuate between 100 and 110 kilometres per hour, accompanied by intermittent gusts escalating up to 120 kilometres per hour.
Storm Surge Threats and Inundation in Coastal Districts
The approach of the cyclonic vortex threatens to trigger significant marine inundation across vulnerable low-lying pockets of south coastal Andhra Pradesh. Predictions point to a storm surge of nearly one metre above normal astronomical tide levels, which could breach natural shore defenses. The operational sectors of Bapatla, Krishna, and Prakasam districts are marked as the zones facing the heaviest brunt of this marine influx. Hazardous sea conditions are projected to persist from the morning hours of November 2 straight through the afternoon of November 3.
Consequently, maritime authorities have enacted strict advisories instructing fishing fleets to completely steer clear of the southeast, southwest, and west-central expanses of the Bay of Bengal. Complementary restrictions have been enforced along coastal stretches flanking Andhra Pradesh, northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Odisha to prevent any accidental ventures into rough waters.
Rainfall Outlook for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
The peripheral circulation of Murasu will cast an extensive wet spell over Tamil Nadu, Karaikal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, where intermittent precipitation is expected to span from November 1 through November 7. Between November 1 and November 3, several localities are likely to experience heavy falls, with exceptionally intense downpours forecast across November 1 and 2. Surface winds during this phase could hover between 40 and 50 kilometres per hour, peaking in gusts at 60 kilometres per hour.
Further unsettled weather marked by squally thunderstorm activity is projected between November 3 and November 5. Coastal fringes of northern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will notice an acceleration in winds starting the morning of November 2, culminating in gales ranging from 60 to 70 kilometres per hour from the evening of November 2 through the early hours of November 3.
Impact across Rayalaseema and Telangana
Inland districts are equally exposed to adverse weather conditions as the cyclonic core pushes moisture deep into the peninsula. Rayalaseema is slated for heavy to very heavy precipitation over November 2 and 3. Across these two days, strong winds reaching 60 to 70 kilometres per hour, with peak gusts touching 80 kilometres per hour, will sweep across the plateau.
Neighboring Telangana faces significant rain bands between November 3 and 4. Isolated pockets may witness very heavy showers on November 2, followed by extremely heavy deluges on November 3. By November 3, squally gusts measuring 50 to 60 kilometres per hour will buffet the state. Coinciding with this peak, both Telangana and Rayalaseema could witness localized wind spikes of 70 to 80 kilometres per hour on November 3, with severe gusts hitting 90 kilometres per hour.
Widespread Downpours in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka
The expansive radius of Murasu extends its footprint northward and westward into central India. Odisha is put on alert for heavy downpours spanning November 2 to 4, where November 2 will see localized heavy rains before evolving into very heavy rainfall across November 3 and 4. Winds across the state during November 3 and 4 are expected to clock 50 to 60 kilometres per hour, registering gusts up to 70 kilometres per hour.
Chhattisgarh will record isolated rain on November 1 and 2, followed by widespread precipitation on November 3 and 4. Heavy falls are anticipated on November 2, elevating to very heavy spells in certain sectors over November 3 and 4, supported by winds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour and gusts up to 60 kilometres per hour. In Karnataka, coastal and south interior zones will experience widespread showers from November 2 to 5, whereas north interior areas will encounter rainfall between November 3 and 5. Authorities are closely monitoring south interior zones across November 2 and 3, along with north interior parts on November 3 and 4. Meteorological stations in northern territories, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Jharkhand, are keeping a watchful eye on potential atmospheric shifts driven by this massive system.
