A fresh atmospheric depression in the Bay of Bengal is rapidly intensifying into a Severe Cyclonic Storm, named ‘Murasu’, and is steering toward the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is projected to cross the coast between Nellore and Narasapur by the afternoon of November 3, packing sustained wind speeds of up to 100–110 km/h, with gusts reaching 120 km/h.
IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra confirmed that the depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards at a speed of 30 km/h. As of October 31 evening, the system was centered approximately 960 km east-southeast of Chennai, 980 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, and 1,030 km southeast of Machilipatnam.
Timeline and Progression
- October 31 (Midnight): System intensifies into a Deep Depression.
- November 1 (Morning): Expected to escalate into Cyclonic Storm ‘Murasu’.
- November 2: Intensifies into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal.
- November 3 (Morning/Midday): Landfall expected between Nellore and Narasapur in South Andhra Pradesh with wind speeds up to 110 km/h.
- Post-Landfall: Weakens into a depression as it moves inland.
Odisha Braces for Heavy Rain & Squalls
Although direct landfall will occur on the Andhra coast, Odisha will feel a severe indirect impact. Coastal and southern districts are bracing for widespread thunderstorms, squally winds, and heavy rainfall from November 1 through November 4.
- Nov 1–2 (Yellow Warning): Coastal and surrounding districts—including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagarh—will see light-to-moderate rain accompanied by lightning and wind speeds of 30–40 km/h.
- Nov 3–4 (Orange Warning): Heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 to 12 cm) along with wind speeds reaching 50–60 km/h is expected across South Odisha. High-risk districts include Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, and Ganjam.
- Statewide Impact: Puri, Khordha, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur remain under a Yellow Warning for heavy downpours.
Safety Advisory
Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the deep sea or along the coastal belts of the Bay of Bengal until further notice. Local administrations in southern coastal districts of Odisha have been alerted to maintain high vigilance as weather conditions deteriorate.
