DHAKA: The very severe cyclonic storm ‘Hudhud’ over west central of the Bay and adjoining east central of the Bay moved slightly west-northwestwards.

The storm now lies over west central Bay and adjoining area and was centered at 09:00am Saturday about 990 kms southwest of Chittagong port, 930 kms southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 850 kms south-southwest of Mongla port and 855 kms south-southwest of Payra port (near lat 15.9°n and long 85.6°e), a special bulletin from Bangladesh Meteorological Department said on the day.

Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised keep hoisted local cautionary signal number Three, said a special bulletin of the Met office.

Under the influence of very severe cyclonic storm the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur,  Feni, Chandpur, Borguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barisal,  Pirozpur, Jhalokathi, Bagherhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge of 1-3 feet height above normal astronomical tide.

All fishing boats and trawlers over north of the Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 74 kms of the storm centre is about 130 kph rising to 150 kph in gusts or squalls.

Sea will remain very high near the storm centre, the bulletin added.

Under the peripheral influence of the very severe cyclonic storm, deep convection is taking place over north of Bay. Gusty or squally weather may continue over north of the Bay, coastal area and maritime ports of Bangladesh.

According to the bulletin, the storm is likely to move in a west-northwesterly direction and may cross north Andhra-south Orissa coast of India by forenoon Sunday.

** Coast may see 1-3ft tidal surge

BDST: 1324 HRS, OCT 11, 2014