DHAKA: The very severe cyclonic storm ‘Hudhud’ over west central Bay and adjoining area moved slightly northwestwards over the same area and was centred at 6:00pm Saturday.

It is now about 1,020 kms west-southwest of Chittagong port, 970 kms west-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 870 kms southwest of Mongla port and 880 kms southwest of Payra port, a special bulletin from Bangladesh Meteorology 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.

According to the bulletin, maximum sustained wind speed within 74 kms of the storm centre is about 150 kph rising to 170 kph in gusts/ squalls.

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

Under the influence of the very severe cyclonic storm, deep convection is taking place over north Bay. Gusty/squally weather may continue over north 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’.

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

** Cyclone ‘Hudhud’ 875 km from Mongla  

BDST: 2045 HRS, OCT 11, 2014