New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) A cyclonic storm is intensifying in the Arabian Sea and is likely to move near south Gujarat and north Maharashtra and could bring with it strong winds to Goa, Karnataka and Kerala as well, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Tuesday.

According to the IMD website, there is "a depression over the Arabian Sea (positioned) latitude 13.50 (north) and Longitude 70.50 (east)".

The location was approximately 470 km from Mangalore, 420 km from Goa and about 700 km from Mumbai at 11.30 a.m. Tuesday.

In a cyclone alert, the IMD website states that the depression is "likely to intensify further into a cyclonic storm and move in a northerly direction for some more time and then north-northeastwards and cross south Gujarat and north Maharashtra coast" by early Thursday.

Heavy rainfall is predicted along the coast in affected states and fishermen have been warned not to go out to sea.

"Under its influence heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and isolated heavy rainfall at most places is likely to occur over south Gujarat from tomorrow (Wednesday).

"Squally winds having speed up to 75 kmph are likely along and off Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra coasts during the next 48 hours and over Lakshadweep area and Kerala coasts during the next 24 hours. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into sea along and off these coasts," the IMD alert said.