An image released by the Met Department shows cyclonic storm Lehar developing over the Bay of Bengal
The intensity of cyclonic storm 'Lehar', that is expected to hit Andhra Pradesh coast tomorrow and bring heavy rainfall in its wake, has "weakened" but the state government remains alert, evacuating people from vulnerable areas and taking all precautionary measures.
The very severe cyclonic storm has "weakened" into a severe cyclonic storm, an official bulletin said in Hyderabad.
The government, however, continued its preparations to face the situation and has evacuated over 27,000 people till this evening, an official release said.
Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who reviewed the situation with officials, has directed the administration at Hyderabad and all the coastal districts, particularly Krishna, East, West Godavari and Visakhapatnam to be on high alert and take precautionary measures.
Mr Reddy said though the severity of cyclone has come down, heavy rain is expected in the above mentioned districts.
The cyclone's centre at 1730 hours today was over west-central Bay of Bengal, about 450 km from Machillipatnam in Andhra coast. It was expected to weaken further and cross Andhra coast near Machillipatnam around tomorrow afternoon.
The bulletin said heavy rainfall would occur over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam district of Puducherry tomorrow.
Wind with speed ranging from 45 kmph to 65 kmph will be present along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast during the next 24 hours.
At the time of the cyclone's landfall, wind speed could increase further along the districts of Guntur, Krishna, West and East Godavari and adjoining areas of Vishakhapatnam and Yanam.
The cyclone is expected to wreak damage to homes, crops and power and communication lines, the release said.
The Met department has suggested suspension of fishing operations and evacuation of coastal hutment dwellers to safer places as the condition of the sea will be very rough.