Staff Correspondent

The cyclonic storm Midhili over the northwest Bay and adjoining area moved north-northeastwards over the same area and the periphery of the weather system started crossing the Mongla-Payra coast near Khepupara Friday noon.

It is likely to move north-northeastwards further and may complete crossing the coast by this evening, the Met office said in a special bulletin.

Meanwhile, the maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted Danger Signal 7, while Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar ports have been asked to keep hoisted Danger Signal 6.

Cyclone Midhili was centred at 12 noon about 310km west-southwest of Chattogram port, 310km west-southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 145km south-southwest of Mongla port, and 150km southwest of Payra port, the bulletin said.

Track Cyclone Midhili on www.windy.com

Maximum sustained wind speed within 54km of the cyclone centre is about 62km per hour rising to 88km per hour in gusts, while the sea will remain very rough near the cyclone centre.

Due to the peripheral effect of Midhili, heavy (44-88mm) to very heavy (up to 89mm or above) rainfall with squally wind is continuing over the north Bay and coastal areas of the country.

Under the peripheral effect of the cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni, Barguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind-driven surge of 3-5 feet height above normal astronomical tide.

Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall due to the influence of the cyclone, according to the bulletin.

The very heavy rainfall may cause landslide at places over the hilly regions of Chattogram division.

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