Extremely severe cyclonic storm Arnab is moving west-northwestward over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas and may cross the coast of India’s Andhra Pradesh state around noon on Wednesday, October 28, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
The department provided the latest update in its 12th special bulletin, signed by meteorologist Dr Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik.
At noon on Tuesday, the cyclone was located 1,130 kilometres southwest of Chattogram port, 1,095 kilometres southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 965 kilometres southwest of Mongla port and 985 kilometres southwest of Payra port.
The bulletin said the storm was moving west-northwestward and was expected to continue in that direction before crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast around noon on Wednesday.
The cyclone’s centre was sustaining maximum wind speeds of 130 kilometres per hour within a radius of 64 kilometres. Wind speeds could rise to 150 kilometres per hour in gusts and squalls, the department said.
The sea remains very rough near the storm’s centre.
The meteorological department has asked Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports to maintain local warning Signal No. 3.
Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay of Bengal have also been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.