Friday, December 9 2005 10:38 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: The cyclonic storm 'Fanoos' lay centred 500 kilometres east-south-east of Chennai today (Dec 9,2005) morning and widespread rains are likely to occur along the coasts of Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh.

Weather Office here said the system was likely to intensify further and move in a westerly direction in the 24 hours beginning at 0830 am today.

Under the influence of the cyclone, widespread rains with isolated heavy downpour was likely to commence along Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast from today morning, they said.

Strong winds with speeds between 60 and 70 kmph were likely during this period.

As the system comes closer, the condition of the sea would be 'rough to high' and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, they added.