DHAKA: The very severe cyclonic storm ‘Hudhud’ over west central Bay and adjoining area moved slightly westwards over the same area and was centered at 3:00pm Saturday.

It is now about 1,020 km west-southwest of Chittagong port, 970 km west-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 875 km southwest of Mongla port and 880 km southwest of Payra port, a special bulletin from Bangladesh Meteorological Department said on the day.

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

Maximum sustained wind speed within 74 km of the storm centre is about 150 kph rising to 170 kph in gusts/squalls.

According to the bulletin, sea will remain very high near the storm centre.

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

Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal no. ‘Three’.

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 Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.

** Cyclone ‘Hudhud’ 850 kms from Mongla port  

BDST: 1822 HRS, OCT 11, 2014