Dhaka: The cyclonic storm, ‘Vardah’, over the southeast bay and adjoining area moved further northwards over the same area.

It was centring at about 6:00am on Friday about 1130 kms south of Chittagong port, 1050 kms south of Cox’s Bazar port, 1155kms south of Mongla port and 1100 kms south of Payra port, said a Met office special bulletin.

It is likely to intensify further and move in a north/northwesterly direction, it said.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 54kms of the cyclone centre is about 62kph rising to 88kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain very rough near the cyclone centre.

The maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal 2.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the north bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice. They have also been advised not to venture into the deep sea.