Severe Cyclone Murasu Brings Heavy Rain and Flight Cancellations to South India

Storm Tracking and Landfall

Cyclone Murasu has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the west central and southwest Bay of Bengal, bringing heavy rain and wind to the region. The India Meteorological Department states that the storm is very likely to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, between 11:30 pm on November 2 and 4 am on November 3, 2026. Wind speeds are expected to reach 100 to 110 kilometres per hour, gusting up to 120 kilometres per hour at landfall.

Closures and Travel Impact

Heavy rains have forced the closure of schools and colleges in the Chennai and Tiruvallur districts on November 2. Six districts in Telangana are under an orange weather alert, while five districts face a yellow alert. Chennai International Airport announced the cancellation of eleven flights to and from Chennai due to the adverse weather. IndiGo confirmed that flight operations involving Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, and Tirupati are also impacted. Affected passengers are being notified by SMS on their booking numbers, and airlines advise checking flight status before heading to the airport.

Local Official Updates

According to Hindustan Times, Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner Sameeran stated that no major incidents occurred and no residents were shifted to relief camps despite widespread overnight rainfall across the city. Authorities reported minor water logging in a few pockets of North Chennai, but traffic remains smooth, all subways are open, and tree fall complaints are being handled promptly. This severe weather follows close behind Cyclone Arnab, which made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 27, 2026.

Context

Severe cyclonic storms form over warm ocean waters like the Bay of Bengal, bringing powerful winds and heavy rain that frequently disrupt transport and daily life in coastal regions. Meteorological departments track these storms continuously to issue timely alerts, allowing local administrations to close schools and prepare emergency relief measures before landfall occurs.