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The deep depression over west-central Bay and adjoining area moved northwards further intensifying into a cyclonic storm ‘JAWAD’ at 12 pm on Friday, the Met Office said in a weather bulletin.
“It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-westerly direction,” the forecast said.
Read:Maritime ports told to warn vessels of 'deep depression' in Bay of Bengal
Maritime ports in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to hoist distant warning signal no 2 lowering distant cautionary signal no 1, said Met office bulletin.
Sea will remain very rough near the cyclone centre as maximum sustained wind speed within 54 km of the cyclone is about 62 kph rising to 88 kph in squalls, the bulletin added.
"All boats and trawlers in the North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice," it added.