Friday, December 9 2005 15:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: Precautionary measures are being taken in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, as the cyclone 'Fanoos', is likely to cross between Nagapattinam and Chennai by noon tomorrow (Dec 10, 2005).

Fanoos, presently located 350-Kms east southeast of Nagapattinam, is likely to intensify and move in west northwesterly direction and cross north Tamil Nadu coast between Nagapattinam and Chennai tomorrow noon, Area Cyclone Warning Centre Director S R Ramanan told reporters here.

Under the influence of the system, there was likely to be widespread rains, some of which could be heavy to very heavy, over most places in coastal Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry and scattered rains in some places in interior parts of the state, he said.

Strong winds reaching with a speed between 70-80 Kmph was likely to commence from tonight, especially over north coastal Tamil Nadu, he said.

Following rough sea conditions, fishermen have been advised not to put out to sea.

Cautionary signal no. six has been kept hoisted in Ennore and Chennai ports, signal no. five in Nagapattinam, signal no.seven in Pondicherry, Local Cautionary signal no. three at Pamban and distant warning no. two at Tuticorin, he said.