Another cyclonic storm brewing over Bay of Bengal, likely to hit Andhra Pradesh by November 2

A low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a depression within the next few hours and further strengthen into a cyclonic storm by November 1, Indian Meteorological Department said on Saturday.

The cyclonic storm may hit the Andhra Pradesh coast, which has already been battered by Cyclone Arnab, on November 2. The latest cyclone threat comes days after Cyclone Arnab wreaked havoc in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha (Photo for representation) (AFP)Cyclone Arnab made a landfall on October 28 and left behind trail of destruction in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha with wind speeds of 150 kmph at landfall.

If the storm fully develops into a cyclone, it will be called Murasu, meaning ‘drum’ in Tamil, a name proposed by India. Coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam in Puducherry are likely to face ‘isolated extremely heavy rainfall’ on November 2, the IMD said.

Very heavy rainfall is expected on November 3. Andhra Pradesh's Rayalseema is also likely to be lashed by very heavy rainfall on November 2 and 3, while Odisha is under heavy rainfall alert for November 3 and 4. “Well-Marked Low Pressure Area over Southeast Bay of Bengal Likely to Intensify into a Depression within 6 Hours and Further into a Cyclonic Storm within 24 Hours; Expected to Move West-Northwestwards and Reach West-central Bay of Bengal Near Andhra Pradesh Coast by the Evening of 2 November 2026,” the IMD said in a post on X.

However, the new cyclone is likely to be less intense, with wind speed between 80kmph to 90kmph, than Cyclone Arnab. "The wind speed of the possible cyclonic storm is likely to be between 80 kmph and 90 kmph, with occasional gusts up to 100 kmph.

It may make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday morning," IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told news agency PTI. With the approaching weather system, squally winds with speed up to 60kmph are expected in Andhra Pradesh, North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts from the evening of November 1.

Along the Andhra coast, the wind is expected to pick speed reaching 65-75kmph and gusting to 85 kmph by November 2 afternoon and 80-90 gusting to 100 kmph from November 2 evening to November 3 forenoon, the weather department said.

The storm will gradually lose speed and drop to 60kmph by the morning of November 4, following which the weather is expected to improve. The latest cyclone threat comes days after Cyclone Arnab wreaked havoc in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

The storm made landfall early on October 28, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast. Trees were uprooted, homes flooded and agricultural fields inundated. Fishing activities were restricted, while transport and electricity networks faced major disruptions as a result of high-speed winds and heavy rain.

Incessant rainfall due to the cyclonic storm also triggered landslide in a village bordering Ganjam and Kandhamal districts on Friday. Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times.

Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs.

The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals.

The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources.

Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More