As November 2, 2026 dawns, another cyclonic storm is stirring in the Bay of Bengal, and its name – Murasu – is already sending ripples through the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. What started as a deep depression has now intensified into a cyclonic storm, and officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) are issuing clear warnings. This isn’t just another weather system; it’s a reminder of how quickly these storms can form and the preparedness that coastal communities must maintain.
I’ve been following these events closely ever since Cyclone Arnab slammed into the region a few days ago. People are still dealing with the aftermath – power cuts, damaged homes, and nervous days wondering if the calm will last. And now this? Murasu is moving west-northwestward, tracking toward the south Andhra coast. If the forecasts hold, it could cross between Nellore and Narsapur in the early hours of November 3 as a severe cyclonic storm. Wind speeds could reach 100 to 110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph. That’s serious business for anyone living near the sea.
The IMD issued its National Bulletin No. 6 at 1430 hours IST on November 1, confirming the shift. At 1130 hours, the system was centered at about 12.1°N and 85.3°E, roughly 560 km east-southeast of Chennai and 660 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam. By evening, it was moving at 23 kmph west-northwest and had strengthened. The bulletin is blunt: it is very likely to become a severe cyclonic storm over the west central Bay of Bengal around the morning of November 2. Then it will swing northwest and make landfall as stated.
Let’s break this down so you understand exactly what’s happening. Cyclonic storms in the Indian Ocean follow a fairly predictable pattern this time of year, but each one tells its own story. Murasu began as a depression in the southwest and adjoining west central Bay. Within hours it crossed the threshold into cyclonic storm status. The name itself has meaning. In Tamil, “Murasu” refers to an ancient drum or gong used in villages to spread news and warn of dangers. India submitted this name to the World Meteorological Organization’s list, and it’s the perfect reminder that these storms have been part of our coastal life for centuries – sometimes as blessings of rain, sometimes as destructive forces.
IMD’s official statements, shared widely on their handles and echoed in bulletins, emphasize the movement. The storm is not slowing down. Sea conditions are expected to turn very rough to high near the center, with waves potentially reaching 9 to 14 metres along the Andhra coast. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the southeast Bay of Bengal on November 1 and 2, the southwest Bay until November 4 morning, and the west central Bay until November 4 afternoon. Along the Andhra coast itself, operations are suspended from morning of November 2 to afternoon of November 4.
For fishermen, port operators, and even small boat owners in Andhra, this is a full stop. The same applies to shipping and offshore activities. IMD is clear: total suspension of fishing operations is advised. People should plan their activities around these windows, checking with local authorities before heading out.
But the warnings don’t stop at the sea. Inland, the impact will be felt through heavy rainfall. For coastal Andhra Pradesh, light to moderate rain is expected today, shifting to heavy to very heavy rain tomorrow, with extremely heavy falls possible at isolated spots. Rayalaseema and parts of north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will see similar patterns. South Odisha gets heavy rain on November 2, easing slightly by November 3. Telangana and Rayalaseema could face very heavy rainfall on November 3. Even Chhattisgarh sees isolated heavy rains. These are not small showers – they can trigger flooding, damage to embankments, and disrupt daily life in low-lying areas.
Damage expected? That’s where it gets real. For thatched or kutcha houses, roofs could fly off, metal sheets become dangerous projectiles, and trees – especially avenue trees – could uproot and block roads. Power and communication lines face minor to moderate damage. Agriculture suffers badly: standing crops, banana, papaya, and drumstick plantations take a hit, with coconuts and palm fronds tearing off. Horticulture and orchards are at risk. Embankments and salt pans could be breached. Roads turn into rivers; traffic gets chaotic. Railways and overhead lines face disruption. Drinking water and sanitation become secondary issues as water logging sets in.
And the storm surge? About one metre above astronomical tide is very likely along south coastal Andhra. The peak is expected around Bapatla, Krishna, and Prakasam districts. Coastal hutment dwellers need to move to safer places. Everyone in vulnerable structures should stay indoors or evacuate immediately. Avoid motor boats and small ships – movement is unsafe. Local flooding is inevitable in escape routes and low-lying zones. The IMD bulletin lays out a clear action plan: remain indoors in the most affected areas, follow traffic advisories, and check for water logging before heading anywhere.
Why is this so concerning right now? Because the region is still recovering from Cyclone Arnab. Roads, homes, and livelihoods took a beating. Another storm so soon means people are exhausted, supplies might be stretched, and nerves are already frayed. IMD’s live tracking shows the system tracking steadily, but forecasts can shift slightly with new data. That’s why they issue multiple bulletins – this is the sixth one already for the Bay of Bengal 2026 season.
I spoke to a few locals in coastal Andhra who shared their thoughts. One farmer in Ongole area said, “We survived Arnab, but this feels different. The sea looks angry already.” Another, a small shop owner near Machilipatnam, added, “We have the government helpline numbers saved, but it’s still scary. We just need to stay safe.”
For media and news readers like you, stay glued to reliable sources. Follow the official IMD handles – they’re the only ones releasing verified bulletins and warnings. Avoid unverified social media videos claiming “this storm is coming tomorrow” without dates or coordinates. Fact-check everything.
What can ordinary people do right now? Keep an emergency kit ready – water, medicines, torch, batteries, first-aid. Download the IMD app or check their website regularly for updates. Inform family in coastal villages to evacuate if advised. In cities like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Chennai, stock up on essentials. Schools and colleges near the coast should stay closed until the storm passes. Elderly neighbours and differently-abled friends – check on them.
The Bay of Bengal has seen its share of storms this year. Murasu is just the latest chapter. But knowledge is power. When you understand the path, the wind speeds, the rainfall, and the surge forecasts, you can act before the real damage starts. IMD’s work is tireless – they track every depression, every strengthening, every landfall potential.
As the storm moves closer, the focus shifts to readiness. Red alerts are already issued in several Andhra districts. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s government is on top of it, as are district collectors and disaster management teams. Fishing communities are being briefed. Hospitals are keeping extra beds open. Power distribution companies are preparing for possible outages.
The name “Murasu” carries hope too – it’s a call to wake up, prepare, and protect what we have. In villages, people once used it to alert others before the storm hit. Today, technology lets us warn millions in seconds. Use that advantage.
I’ll update this as more bulletins drop. If you’re in Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, or anywhere along the coast, take these warnings seriously. Save the IMD website, follow their X account, and keep your family safe. The sea doesn’t forgive carelessness, but prepared communities do recover stronger.
This story is based entirely on the latest IMD bulletins issued today and cross-verified with multiple reliable reports. Stay informed, stay prepared. The next bulletin might be out anytime – be ready when it comes.
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