New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS): Fishermen on India's western coast were friday advised to avoid getting into deep sea on fears of heavy rainfall due to movement of a depression formed over the Arabian Sea.

"Fishermen are advised not to venture into deep sea along and off Karnataka, Konkan and Goa coasts during next 48 hours and Kerala coast and Lakshadweep area during next 24 hours," said an official statement.

A depression, formed over east central Arabian Sea, was initially expected to move north-northwestwards slowly and intensify into a deep depression during next 48 hours, it warned.

Under its influence, heavy rainfall was forecast over coastal Karnataka and Kerala during next 24 hours and over Konkan and Goa during subsequent 24 hours.

"Strong wind speeds reaching 30-40 kmph gusting to 50 kmph would prevail along and off Konkan, Goa and Karnataka coasts during next 48 hrs and along and off Kerala coast and Lakshadweep area during next 24 hrs," the statement said.