Cyclonic storm Laila lay centered at 7.30 this morning 190 kilometers north-east of Chennai. A weather bulletin issued in Chennai says the system is likely to intensify further and move in north westerly direction and cross Andhra coast between Ongole and Vishakhapatnam in the early hours onThursday.<br/> Under the influence of this system, thundershowers are likely at most places with heavy falls over coastal Andhra Pradesh. Intermittent heavy rain is also likely over north coastal Tamil Nadu. Wind speed reaching 50 to 60 kilometers per hour along north coastal Tamil Nadu. Similarly, wind speed reaching 65 kilometers per hour over South Andhra coast is also likely. The bulletin further says wind speed would increase to 115 to 125 kilometers per hour along south Andhra coast when the cyclone crosses land. AIR correspondent reports that Chennai has been lashed by heavy rains since Tuesday night bringing respite from sweltering heat. <br/> AIR Vishakhapatnam correspondent reports that with the cyclone inching towards the coast, the government is taking all possible measures to evacuate people safely from the low-lying areas to safer places. <br/>