Andhra braces for 'very severe cyclonic storm' Lehar

The intensity of Lehar would gradually increase with rainfall at most places and heavy-to-very heavy falls being witnessed at a few places. Isolated extremely heavy falls over north coastal Andhra Pradesh on November 28 are also expected.



“MeT officials tell us that this cyclone would approximately have the same intensity of ‘Phailin' that hit Odisha and north coastal districts (of AP),” he said.  

Squally winds speed reaching 45-55kmph, gusting to 65kmph, would commence along and off Andhra Pradesh from Wednesday evening.

It would increase in intensity with gale wind speed reaching 170-180kmph gusting to 200kmph along and off coastal districts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south coastal Andhra Pradesh at the time of landfall, the bulletin said.

Lehar is expected to cause extensive damage to thatched houses, disrupt power and communication lines and also rail and road traffic.

Widespread damage is also feared for agriculture crops.