Dhaka: The maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal No 7 while Mongla and Payra ports to hoist signal 5 as the cyclonic storm ‘Mora’ over east-central bay and adjoining area moved slightly northwards over the same area.

The cyclonic storm was centred at 6am on Monday about 570kms South-Southwest of Chittagong port, 490kms South-Southwest of Cox’s Bazar Port, 620kms South of Mongla port and 555kms South of Payra port, said Met office special bulletin 8.

It is likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 18 hours, move in a Northerly direction and may cross Chittagong coast by morning of 30 May.

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 system.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay and deep sea have been advised to take shelter immediately and remain in shelter till further notice.