Cyclone Murasu Makes Landfall In Andhra Pradesh: Travel Disruptions And Weather Alerts

Cyclone Murasu has made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, bringing heavy rainfall, gale-force winds, and widespread travel disruption across parts of southern India. With several districts reporting waterlogging, damaged infrastructure, and power disruptions, the storm has also affected flight and railway operations, leaving travellers with changing schedules and limited movement in some areas.

The severe cyclonic storm crossed the south Andhra Pradesh coast near Ongole in Prakasam district between 3:30 am and 5:30 am on Tuesday, November 3, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Wind speeds during landfall reached 100–110 kmph, with gusts of up to 120 kmph. Although the system is expected to weaken gradually, heavy rainfall and strong winds are likely to continue across affected regions.

For those travelling through Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Odisha, the situation calls for additional planning, particularly when it comes to flights, train journeys, and road travel.

Flights Face Disruptions

Air travel has been affected across several airports in southern India as airlines respond to adverse weather conditions. Chennai airport reported 11 flight cancellations on Monday, November 2, with services connecting the city to Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Kadapa, and Tiruchirappalli among those affected.

Disruptions have also been reported at Vijayawada's Gannavaram Airport, as well as airports in Tirupati, Rajahmundry, and Visakhapatnam. According to reports, at least 19 domestic flights were cancelled across Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Tirupati on Monday, in addition to the cancellations in Chennai. Vijayawada airport also reported disruptions on Tuesday.

IndiGo issued a travel advisory warning passengers about weather-related operational changes, particularly in Visakhapatnam, where flight operations have been affected. Travellers were cautioned about extended waiting times, both on the ground and onboard, and advised to check their flight status through the airline's official website before heading to the airport.

With weather conditions continuing to change, passengers travelling to or from coastal Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring regions should account for possible delays, rescheduling, or cancellations. It is advisable to contact the concerned airline directly for the latest information rather than rely solely on previously issued flight schedules.

Train Routes Altered

Railway services have also faced disruptions following the cyclone's landfall. The South Coast Railway (SCR) temporarily suspended train movement along the Vijayawada–Ongole–Gudur section after gale-force winds were recorded near Karavadi station. Services scheduled along the Vijayawada–Gudur section are being regulated at originating and en route stations until further notice.

At least seven trains have been diverted as a precautionary measure. These include the Kerala Express (12625), travelling from Thiruvananthapuram Central to New Delhi, and the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru–Hatia Express (18638). Both have been diverted through Renigunta, Yerraguntla, Nandyal, Guntur, and Vijayawada instead of their usual route through Gudur.

The Howrah–Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru Superfast Express (22863) and Kanpur Central–Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru Special (04131) have also been diverted. The latter will skip scheduled stops at Chirala, Ongole, and Nellore.

Passengers travelling through the affected railway sections should check the latest running status before departure through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app and official railway channels. Since services are being regulated as weather conditions evolve, departure times and routes may change at short notice.

Rain Warnings Continue

While the cyclone has crossed the coast, its impact is expected to extend across several states. The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and adjoining parts of Telangana on Tuesday, November 3. Very heavy rainfall is likely over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on Wednesday, while heavy showers are expected in Rayalaseema and south Odisha. Parts of south Chhattisgarh may also receive heavy rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Within Andhra Pradesh, districts including Krishna, Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, NTR, and Prakasam have been among the areas facing severe weather warnings. The IMD expects the cyclone to weaken into a cyclonic storm by Tuesday afternoon, with wind speeds of 80–90 kmph and gusts of up to 100 kmph. It is likely to weaken further into a deep depression by midnight, although rainfall may persist.

Tamil Nadu has also experienced the effects of the weather system. Chennai witnessed heavy rainfall and waterlogging on Monday, prompting precautionary school closures in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts. On Tuesday, schools in parts of Cuddalore district were also closed following thunderstorms and persistent rainfall. The IMD has forecast further rainfall across northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with isolated heavy showers likely in the Nilgiris. Theni and Dindigul may receive heavy rainfall on Thursday.

In Odisha, southern districts including Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi have reported rainfall. The state government has moved more than 1.60 lakh people to safer locations and deployed disaster-response teams in vulnerable areas, particularly those prone to landslides.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh has reported extensive damage to crops, trees, electric poles, and fishing boats. More than 10,800 people have been evacuated, with relief camps and emergency response teams deployed across affected districts. Authorities have also advised fishermen to stay away from the sea until November 4 morning.

What Travellers Should Keep In Mind

Those planning journeys through southern India should monitor IMD bulletins, airline notifications, and railway advisories before setting out. Avoid travelling through waterlogged roads and vulnerable coastal stretches, and allow additional time for airport transfers and railway connections. With the cyclone weakening but its rainfall impact continuing, postponing non-essential travel in severely affected districts may be the safer option.

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