Cyclone Murasu: 21 Flights Cancelled In Chennai And Vijayawada As Severe Storm Nears Andhra Coast
The Cyclone Murasu was upgraded to a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal on Monday, Nov 2, spurring the authorities in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha to start preparedness efforts. As the storm approached the coast at least 11 Chennai departures and 10 flights from Vijayawada (Vijayawada International) of IndiGo were cancelled.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted that the cyclone will reach the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur near Ongole between 11.30 pm on Monday and 4 am on Tuesday, Nov 3.
The wind speed at the time of landfall is likely to be 100-110 kmph with gust up to 120 kmph. The IMD has also alerted that the system may further deepen prior to hitting the coast.
In Chennai, 21 flights were cancelled and in Vijayawada 14 flights were canceled.
According to the Chennai Airport, 11 flights between Chennai and Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Kadapa and Tiruchirappalli were cancelled because of bad weather.
10 IndiGo flights that were supposed to fly at Vijayawada’s Gannavaram Airport on Monday were cancelled. Airport officials recommended travelers to check with the airline on whether they had been confirmed on their flights.
IndiGo, too, had issued a travel advisory to avoid any hassles and longer than usual waiting time on the ground and in the air in the city owing to bad weather.
Tiruvallur and Chennai declare holiday for schools and colleges
Cyclone Murasu started to approach the coast and Chennai and its neighbouring districts received heavy rainfall. All schools and colleges in the district of Chennai and Tiruvallur were closed on Monday.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall was predicted at isolated locations in Chennai and Tiruvallur with IMD issuing an orange alert for the city of Chennai. Heavy falls in these areas were also expected in Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Vellore and the Nilgiris.
The Chennai Corporation’s Integrated Command and Control Centre said that the city witnessed an average of 76.07 mm of rainfall in last 24 hours till 6 am on November 2. Madhavaram got 11cm of rainfall, Ennore Port and Nungambakkam got 10cm each.
Despite the heavy rain overnight, there had been no major incidents so far, Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner Sameeran said. Traffic flow in North Chennai was normal with minor waterlogging reported in a few places and all subways were open.
Andhra Pradesh takes the lead in cyclone preparedness
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu canceled his Delhi visit and instructed officials to be ready to undertake rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations.
The State government has issued a warning of heavy to extremely heavy rains to coastal and central districts. The initial assessment showed that 15,128 electricity poles in 12 districts may be damaged due to strong winds.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also asked officials to be alert, especially in Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla and Krishna and other districts vulnerable to such incidents. He ordered the evacuation of people from low-lying areas, made sure water supply was available for drinking, and linked up with the police department, revenue department and electricity department.
Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from Ranipet district in Tamil Nadu have also been deployed in Andhra Pradesh to respond to and rescue for a disaster.
The government of Odisha evacuates the population from vulnerable area
In view of the cyclone’s possible impact, evacuation has been stepped up in vulnerable areas in Odisha. Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated that the districts of southern part of the state such as Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are under high alert.
Over 300 teams, including NDRF, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Service have been deployed for emergency operations.
Heavy rain is likely to occur in some parts of southern Odisha, while strong gusts of wind up to 40-50 kmph are likely to occur in some parts of Gajapati and Ganjam, IMD predicted. Puri also received light rains as the impact of the cyclone started in the coastal areas.
Heavy rain is forecast in affected states, warns IMD
The IMD has predicted very heavy rains at isolated areas and extremely heavy rains at a few areas in coastal Andhra Pradesh during November 2 and 3. Scattered locations also have a chance of heavy rainfall on November 4.
Heavy to very heavy rains had also forecast over a few locations in Tamil Nadu and Odisha during the next few days. The police have told people in at-risk places to adhere to official directives, stay clear of coastal areas, and refrain from entering waterways and streams where water levels are high.
In the meantime, IMD Director General, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that most parts of the country will receive “sub-normal” rain and “above normal” temperatures in November. October 2026 was the warmest October since 1901 in India with respect to average maximum temperature. Additionally, October 2026 had the highest average maximum temperature of the month since 1901 in India.