How was Cyclone 'Murasu' named? What does this mean and when will it intensify into a "strong" cyclonic storm? Details

Cyclonic storm Murasu, which is moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, is expected to further intensify into a “severe” cyclonic storm over the West-Central Bay of Bengal in the early hours of Monday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest bulletin. The storm will continue moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast and is expected to make landfall near Ongole in Prakasam district, between Nellore and Narsapur, around midnight on 2 November or in the early hours of 3 November.

The likely landing period is between 11:30 PM on November 2nd and 4:00 AM on November 3rd.

“It is very likely to move west-northwest and further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over west-central Bay of Bengal by the early hours of November 2. After that, it is very likely to move northwest and cross the south coast of Andhra Pradesh as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speed of 100 to 110 kmph gusting between Nellore and Napurarsaph. District) during midnight (2330 hours IST) from 2 to the early hours (04:00 IST) of November 3, 2026,” the IMD said.

Where is Cyclone Murasu currently located?

As of 17:30 on 1 November, Cyclone Murasu was over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. It was moving in a northwesterly direction at a speed of about 25 km/h. It is located approximately 420 km from Chennai and 490 km from Nellore.

What does Murasu mean?

According to Mathrubhumi, Murasu is a Tamil word for a traditional percussion drum and an ancient musical instrument. Historically, it served an important social purpose as it was used to spread public information and announcements across villages and kingdoms.

Cyclone Murasu: Best Update

– Wind speeds are expected to reach around 100-110 km/h at the time of landfall, with gusts up to 120 km/h.

– Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level review meeting in Bhubaneswar to assess preparedness and precautionary measures for Cyclone ‘Murasu’.

– The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert on November 2 in five districts of Andhra Pradesh: Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam and SPSR Nellore.

– The Meteorological Agency has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and Telangana on November 2 and 3. Isolated places in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall, while coastal areas may experience gusty winds of 80-90 kmph on both days.

– Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu canceled his planned visit to Delhi on Monday due to the cyclone threat.