Dhaka: The deep depression over the Northeast Bay and adjoining Bangladesh coast moved slightly north-northeastwards over the same area and intensified into a cyclonic storm, Komen.

It centred at about 9:00pm on Wednesday about 110kilometres southwest of Chittagong port, 105kms west-northwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 170kms southeast of Mongla port and 85kms southeast of Payra port, said a Met Office special bulletin.

It said the storm is likely to move in a northerly direction and may cross Bangladesh coast between Barisal-Chittagong coast by Thursday afternoon.

Under its influence, squally weather is continuing over the North Bay, adjoining coastal area of Bangladesh and the maritime ports.

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 centre.

The maritime ports of Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar have been advised to lower local warning signal number four but instead hoist danger signal No seven.

The coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number seven.

The maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to lower local warning signal number four but instead hoist danger signal No five.

The coastal districts of Barguna, Patuakhali, Barisal Pirojpur, Jhalakati, Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira, and their offshore islands and chars will come under danger signal number five.

Under the influence of the cyclonic storm, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola, Barisal, Patuakhali, Jhalakati, Pirojpur, Barguna, Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira, and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by storm surge of 3-5 feet height above normal astronomical tide.

The coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Bhola, Barisal, Patuakhali, Barguna, Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira, and their offshore islands and chars are likely to experience wind speed upto 70-90kph in gusts/ squalls with heavy to very heavy falls during the passage of the system.

Due to very heavy rainfall, landslide may occur at places over the hilly regions of Chittagong division.

All fishing boats, trawlers and marine vessels over the North Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.