The cyclonic storm ‘Montha’ over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to move north-northwest and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, according to a special weather bulletin from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
It is expected to cross India’s Andhra Pradesh coast by Tuesday evening or night.
As of midnight Monday, the cyclone was centred about 1,305 kilometres southwest of Chattogram port, 1,260 kilometres southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 1,165 kilometres southwest of Mongla port and 1,175 kilometres southwest of Payra port.
The maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kilometres of the centre was 62 kilometres per hour, rising to 88 kilometres per hour in gusts and squalls, while the sea remained very rough around the system.
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to hoist distant warning signal No. 2.
Fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised to stay close to the coast and proceed with caution, avoiding the deep sea until further notice.
