Friday, December 2 2005 14:46 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: The metropolis was battered by heavy rains for nearly three hours today (Dec 02, 2005) as the deep depression over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining west Bay weakened into a depression and lay 250-kms east-southeast off Chennai.

The depression was likely to move in a west-north-westerly direction and cross the coast between Chennai and Ongole in Andhra Pradesh tonight, Area Cyclone Warning Centre Director S R Ramanan told reporters here.

Under the influence of the depression, widespread rains are likely over north coastal Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and parts of south interior Tamil Nadu during the 24-hours beginning 8.30 am today, he said.

Isolated heavy to very heavy rains were also forecast in one or two places over north Tamil Nadu coast.

Winds with speeds reaching 50-60-Kms were likely to be experienced in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts of Tamil Nadu during the period. The sea was likely to be rough and fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea. Cautionary signals been hoisted at the Ennore and Chennai ports, he added.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the cyclonic storm, which was located 400-kms east northeast of Chennai had remained stationary, but weakened last night as a deep depression.

The heavy rains, which flooded low-lying areas in the metropolis and suburbs, forced the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association to abandon first day's play of the match between India and Sri Lanka. The water logging also affected movement of vehicular traffic.