Friday, December 2 2005 12:04 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: The cyclonic storm, that had remained 'practically stationary' for a day, weakened last night (Dec 01, 2005) and turned into a deep depression and now lay 300-Kms east southeast of Chennai, leading the forecast of rains during the next two-days.

The Weather Office here said the system was likely to intensify and move in a west northwesterly direction and cross between extreme North Coastal Tamil Nadu, comprising Kancheepuram, Chennai and Tiruvallur and south Coastal Andhra Pradesh tonight.

Under its influence, rain or thundershowers have been forecast for north Coastal Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. Strong gusty winds have been also forecast during the period.

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

Meanwhile, official sources said there were reports of rough seas and high waves in many places between Pondicherry and the city.