Cyclone Fani, in the Southeast Bay and adjoining Southwest Bay, has moved slightly northwards and intensified into a ‘severe cyclonic storm’.
The cyclonic storm, pronounced as Foni, is likely to intensify further and move in a north/northwesterly direction, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department said in a bulletin.
It was centred about 1,325 km Southwest of Chattogram port, 1,260 km Southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 1,250 km Southwest of Mongla port and 1,230 km Southwest of Payra port at 9:00am on Tuesday.
Maximum sustained wind speed within 74 kilometres of the storm centre is about 110 kph, rising to 130 kph in gusts or squalls, reports UNB.
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal number two, according to the Met bulletin.
All fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay and deep sea have been advised to stay close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.
They have also been advised not to venture into the deep sea.