November 3, 2026 — Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu was forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole, overnight from late November 2 into the early hours of November 3, with winds of 100–110 km/h gusting to 120 km/h, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts reported on November 2. Trains have been cancelled, some flights at Chennai and Vijayawada were scrapped, and schools are shut in parts of Tamil Nadu.
What we know
- The storm: Murasu strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm early on November 2 over the Bay of Bengal. IMD had not ruled out further strengthening before landfall. Forecasts call for it to weaken as it moves inland on November 3 and to fall to a depression by November 4.
- Andhra Pradesh: Very heavy to extremely heavy rain was forecast for coastal districts and Rayalaseema. Officials were told to evacuate low-lying areas in Nellore, Prakasam, Markapuram, Bapatla and Krishna districts, and six national (NDRF) and seven state (SDRF) disaster response teams were on standby.
- Tamil Nadu: Heavy to very heavy rain was forecast for November 3, especially in Tiruvallur. Schools and colleges in Chennai and Tiruvallur are closed.
- Telangana and Odisha: Six Telangana districts are on orange alert and five on yellow alert. In Odisha, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts are on high alert.
- Flights: Eleven flights were cancelled at Chennai and ten at Vijayawada, and IndiGo operations at Visakhapatnam were affected, according to Utkarsh. No airport closures had been reported.
- Sea: IMD told fishermen to stay off the Andhra Pradesh coast until the afternoon of November 4, with similar warnings for the north Tamil Nadu–Puducherry and south Odisha coasts.
Trains cancelled by South Coast Railway
South Coast Railway cancelled nine trains as a precaution. No end date for the cancellations was given.
| Train | Route | Departure date |
|---|---|---|
| 67225 | Vijayawada–Gudur Passenger | Nov. 2 |
| 67226 | Gudur–Vijayawada Passenger | Nov. 3 |
| 12744 | Vijayawada–Gudur Express | Nov. 2 |
| 12743 | Gudur–Vijayawada Express | Nov. 3 |
| 67235 | Guntur–Tenali Passenger | Nov. 2 |
| 67236 | Tenali–Guntur Passenger | Nov. 3 |
| 67237 | Tenali–Repalle Passenger | Nov. 2 |
| 67238 | Repalle–Markapur Passenger | Nov. 3 |
| 67239 | Markapur–Tenali Passenger | Nov. 3 |
The railway set up help desks, 24-hour control rooms and extra refund counters where needed.
What it means for airline travelers
- If you are heading to Chennai, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam or other airports in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu on November 3–4, expect cancellations and knock-on delays. Standby seats will be scarce as airlines reaccommodate passengers from cancelled flights — consider waiting a day or two.
- Check flight status with your airline before going to the airport; roads may be flooded and power cut in coastal districts.
- If you are already in the area, follow local authorities and IMD bulletins, and stay away from the coast and low-lying ground.
- Rail travelers should check with Indian Railways before leaving; refunds are available on cancelled trains.
- Enroll in STEP (U.S. citizens) or Registration of Canadians Abroad, and check whether your travel insurance covers weather delays.
Sources
- Utkarsh (citing IMD): What is Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu 2026: formation, landfall, tracker, affected areas and latest updates (updated Nov. 2, 2026)
- Curly Tales: Cyclone Murasu Alert: 9 Trains Cancelled As Storm Heads Towards Andhra Coast (Nov. 2, 2026)
- India Meteorological Department: Official cyclone bulletins
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