The very severe cyclonic storm Lehar has been rapidly advancing towards the coastal belt of the southeast Bay of Bengal at a speed of nearly 20 km per hour with a maximum sustained surface wind speed of 135-175kmph recorded on Tuesday.     
    Moderate rainfall at many places would commence from Wednesday afternoon over the coastal districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and East Godavari, apart from a couple of areas in Yanam and south coastal Odisha under Lehar’s influence. “Most places in north coastal AP will receive extremely heavy rainfall (250 mm or above) from Wednesday night to Thursday night”. The wind speed would increase to 170-200kmph along and off the coastal districts of Krishna, West and East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Srikakulamand Vizianagaram from Wednesday night till the time of landfall,theweathermensaid.  
    Extensive damage to thatched houses, power and communication lines as well as agricultural crops is expected and this time rail and road traffic too would face a threat of disruption due to the cyclone because of its intensity and wind speed. The government totally suspended all fishing operations, evacuate people from coastal areas and judiciously regulate rail and road traffic.