Coastal districts of Gujarat would receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall from Thursday as Cyclone Nilofar would intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours.

According to the Meteorological department, the storm, which is developed in west central and adjoining southwest Arabian Sea, has moved slightly northwards and lays centred about 1,165 kms southwest of Naliya in Gujarat.

The Met department also said, winds speed reaching 45 to 55 kms per hour gusting to 65 kms per hour would commence along and off Gujarat coast from Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Kutch district collector has issued an advisory to various authorities directing all sub-divisional magistrates to keep their control rooms functional.

He has also asked authorities of the Kandla Port Trust (KPT), the state maritime board and the forest department, besides all talatis and sarpanches in coastal villages to remain alert.

The fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea as the Gujarat coast will be very rough.