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Cyclone Murasu is expected to cross the Andhra coast with winds of up to 120 kmph. Heavy rain has battered Chennai, while evacuations, flight cancellations signal wider disruption
Authorities across the affected states have urged residents in vulnerable locations to follow official weather warnings, avoid unnecessary travel during severe conditions and remain in safe places as Cyclone Murasu approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast.
Cyclone Murasu Updates: Severe cyclonic storm Murasu continued to intensify over the Bay of Bengal on Monday, November 2, bringing heavy rain to Chennai and neighbouring districts as it advanced towards the south Andhra Pradesh coast. The system is expected to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, late on Monday night or in the early hours of Tuesday.
According to a report by The Times of Indiathe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast landfall between 11.30 pm on Monday and 4 am on Tuesday. The storm is expected to bring sustained winds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.
At 8.30 am on Monday, the cyclone was centred approximately 160 km east-south-east of Nellore and 180 km north-east of Chennai. Moving north-westwards, it was expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Chennai Rains: Several Areas Record More Than 10 Cm
The cyclone’s outer rain bands brought widespread showers to Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts, with heavy rainfall reported in several neighbourhoods since Sunday night.
Rainfall figures for the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Monday showed that Kadapakkam and Parrys received 15 cm each. Manali New Town and Manali recorded 14 cm apiece, while Sathangadu received 13 cm.
Kathivakkam, Ennore, Basin Bridge, Puzhal, Wimco Nagar and Tondiarpet each recorded 11 cm of rainfall during the same period.
The IMD issued an orange alert for Chennai, warning of heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places, along with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph.
Chennai Waterlogging: Civic Teams Deploy Pumps
Heavy showers caused waterlogging in parts of Chennai, prompting civic authorities to deploy pumps and backup motors in vulnerable locations.
However, Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner GS Sameeran said the city had not experienced major flooding. Two of Chennai’s 22 subways reported minor waterlogging, which was cleared promptly, and all the subways remained open to traffic.
Schools in Chennai were closed on Monday as a precaution in view of the adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, Greater Chennai Police issued a warning against entering the sea or approaching the shoreline as rough seas, high waves and strong winds affected the northern Tamil Nadu coast.
People were advised to stay away from Marina, Pattinapakkam and Besant Nagar beaches. Parents were asked to keep children away from the water, while police personnel and lifeguards were directed to enforce safety precautions along the coast.
Andhra Pradesh On High Alert, Evacuations Ordered
Andhra Pradesh has stepped up its cyclone preparations ahead of the expected landfall, with authorities preparing for intense rainfall, powerful winds and possible flash floods.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan reviewed preparedness with officials from the Panchayat Raj, Rural Development and Rural Water Supply departments. He instructed officials in Nellore, Prakasam, Markapuram, Bapatla and Krishna districts to remain on alert and move residents of low-lying areas to safer locations where necessary.
The evacuation efforts are to be coordinated with the police, revenue and electricity departments to ensure that vulnerable residents can be moved safely before conditions deteriorate.
The state government has kept six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and seven State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams ready for rescue and relief operations.
Officials have also been directed to monitor water levels in canals and streams and warn residents against approaching fast-flowing water. Maintaining uninterrupted drinking water supplies is another priority, while sanitation and the chlorination of water sources have been emphasised for the period after the rain.
Round-the-clock control rooms have been established in affected districts to coordinate emergency operations and assist residents.
Odisha Steps Up Evacuation And Rescue Preparations
Although Cyclone Murasu is expected to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh, southern Odisha could also experience adverse weather, prompting the state government to strengthen its disaster response arrangements.
Odisha Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri were among the districts likely to be affected. District collectors have been placed on alert, while more than 300 rescue teams drawn from the NDRF, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and Odisha Fire Service have been positioned for deployment.
The IMD has forecast heavy rain in parts of Gajapati and Ganjam on Monday, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph.
Rainfall is also likely in Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Puri and Khurda, according to the forecast cited in The Times of India report.
Cyclone Murasu: Flights Cancelled In Chennai And Vijayawada
The cyclone warning has disrupted air travel, with several services connecting Chennai, Vijayawada and other destinations cancelled.
IndiGo cancelled 10 flights scheduled to operate from Vijayawada airport on Monday. Air India Express also cancelled two services connecting Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, as well as Hyderabad and Vijayawada.
At Chennai airport, 11 flights linking the city with Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Kadapa and Tiruchirappalli were cancelled.
Passengers have been advised to check the latest status of their flights with their respective airlines before leaving for the airport, as weather conditions could affect further operations.
Chennai Beach Advisory: Public Asked To Stay Away From Shoreline
Greater Chennai Police have urged residents and visitors to avoid beaches and exposed coastal stretches while rough sea conditions persist.
Marina, Pattinapakkam and Besant Nagar beaches have been specifically highlighted in the advisory. People have been warned against entering the water, while parents have been asked to ensure children do not play near the shoreline.
Police personnel and lifeguards have been instructed to enforce safety measures along the coast.
Authorities across the affected states have urged residents in vulnerable locations to follow official weather warnings, avoid unnecessary travel during severe conditions and remain in safe places as Cyclone Murasu approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast.
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November 02, 2026, 2:08 PM IST
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