Cyclone Murasu Makes Landfall: Andhra Pradesh Coast Braces for 120 Kmph Winds and Heavy Rainfall

Cyclone Murasu Begins Landfall Near Ongole, Andhra Coast Hit by 120 Kmph Winds and Heavy Rain

Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu began making landfall near Ongole in Andhra Pradesh’s Prakasam district in the early hours of Tuesday, triggering heavy rainfall and powerful winds along the coast. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the landfall process started around 1 am, with sustained wind speeds of up to 110 kmph and gusts reaching 120 kmph.

In its latest bulletin, the IMD said the forward part of the cyclone’s wall cloud had started moving over the coast, while the main wall cloud region was positioned close to the shoreline.

Heavy rain and strong winds have been reported in Ongole and nearby coastal areas as the storm moves inland.

Cyclone Murasu Brings Rough Seas and Heavy Rain

At around 1.30 am, the cyclone was positioned over the west-central Bay of Bengal, close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast. It was located nearly 40 km southeast of Ongole, 60 km northeast of Kavali and 70 km south of Bapatla.

The approaching storm had already triggered high tides and rough sea conditions along the coastline. The IMD warned that gale-force winds of 110 kmph, accompanied by gusts of up to 120 kmph, could continue along and off the coast until Wednesday morning.

Storm Surge Alert for Coastal Districts

The weather department has forecast heavy rainfall at several locations across South Coastal Andhra Pradesh over the next 12 hours.

It has also issued a storm surge warning, predicting sea levels could rise 1 to 1.5 metres above the astronomical tide. Such a surge could flood low-lying coastal areas until Wednesday morning, with Bapatla, Krishna and Prakasam districts facing the greatest risk.

Puducherry and North Tamil Nadu Also Affected

The cyclone’s effects have extended beyond Andhra Pradesh, with continuous rainfall reported in Puducherry since midnight. The downpour has disrupted normal activities in several areas.

Outer rain bands associated with Murasu are also affecting North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, bringing rain to neighbouring regions.

Earlier, the IMD had forecast that the system could intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole.