The maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal No 3 after a low-pressure area formed over the west-central Bay and adjoining northwest Bay off the North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha coast at 6am on Wednesday.

According to a Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) bulletin, the system is likely to intensify further. Under its influence, a steep pressure gradient has developed over the North Bay, and gusty or squally weather may affect the maritime ports, the North Bay, and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh.

All fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay and deep sea have been advised to move closer to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice, the met office said.

MN/