However, there is a probability of slight weakening of the system when it reaches the coast near north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha.

More than 10 districts of Odisha are likely to be lashed by heavy rain, coupled with squally winds, from December 8 due to a depression over the Bay of Bengal.

The depression over southeast Bay of Bengal and its neighbourhood moved northwards at a speed of about 35 kmph during the six hours and lay centred about 870 km southeast of Gopalpur at 11.30 a.m. IST on Thursday, the meteorological centre in Bhubaneswar said.

The system is likely to move north-northwestwards and reach the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts around December 9 morning, it said, adding the system may intensify further into a deep depression in the next 24 hours.

However, there is a probability of slight weakening of the system when it reaches the coast near north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha.

Under its impact, rain or thundershowers are likely to occur at some places in coastal districts and Koraput, Gajapati and Malkangiri districts by December 8. Widespread rain was expected in coastal districts and many places in interior districts till December 10, director of local met office S.C. Sahu said.

Thereafter, heavy rain may lash some places in Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Khorda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Malkangiri and Koraput districts in the subsequent 48 hours, he said.

The met office advised the hoisting of Distant Cautionary Signal Number One (DC-I) at Paradip and Gopalpur Ports in Odisha.

Squally winds, with a speed of 40 to 50 kmph and gusting up to 60 kmph, are likely to prevail along and off Odisha coasts till December 10. Sea condition would be rough to very rough along and off Odisha and fishermen are advised not to venture into sea from December 10, it said.