Bhubaneswar, Nov. 1: The meteorological centre here has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coastal parts of the state along with Bhubaneswar with the formation of a low-pressure system over the Andaman Sea. It is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm.

The bulletin issued by the meteorological centre today said the low-pressure system was "very likely to intensify further while moving in a northwestwardly direction".

Rainfall is expected to start in the next 24 hours beginning from the southern parts of the state. The wind speed will reach up to 45kmph along the coast and the sea will be rough.

Met director Sarat Chandra Sahu told The Telegraph that the system was likely to intensify further into a deep depression.

He said the Met office would intimate the public and the administration if there was the threat of a cyclone.

"So far, there is no cause for panic. We are tracing the system and will update its status," said Sahu.

The state government, in a letter to farmers through all the district collectors, has advised farmers to keep their harvested paddy in a safe place to avoid any loss or damage due to rain.