Bhubaneswar, Sep 24: The deep depression which crossed the coast south-west of Ganjam district on Wednesday night, remained centered about 80 km south-southeast of Rayagada on Thursday and was likely to move in a north-northwesterly direction, the Center of Environment and Climate (CEC) of SOA Deemed to be University here, said.

The system, which was headed towards north Chhattisgarh cutting through western Odisha districts, was expected to maintain its intensity till Friday.

Under its influence, moderate to very heavy rainfall with heavy to very heavy precipitation at one or two locations could occur in the districts of Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Balangir, Nuapada, Bargada, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Mayurbhanj, Baleswar, Kendujhar, Debgarh, Kandhamal and Rayagada on Thursday, it said.

There will be decrease in rainfall from Friday but moderate to heavy rainfall could occur at a few locations in western Odisha districts on Friday, the center said.