Hudhud may cross Andhra-Orissa coast by Sunday forenoon

The very severe cyclonic storm ‘Hudhud’ (with estimated centre pressure of 968 hpa) is likely to cross the North Andhra-South Orissa coast of India by Sunday forenoon. The cyclone over the West Central Bay and adjoining East Central Bay moved slightly northwestwards and now lies over the West Central Bay and adjoining area, said the latest Met office special bulletin, according to a news agency. It was centred at 6pm Saturday about 1020 kms west-southwest of Chittagong port, 970 kms west-southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 870 kms southwest of Mongla port and 880 kms southwest of Payra port. It is likely to move in a west-northwesterly direction and may cross North Andhra-South Orisha coast of India by Sunday forenoon, the bulletin said.
Maximum sustained wind speed within 74 kms of the storm centre is about 150 kph rising to 170 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain very high near the storm centre. Under the peripheral influence of the very severe cyclonic storm, deep convection is taking place over the North Bay. Gusty/squally weather may continue over the North Bay, coastal areas and the maritime ports of Bangladesh. The maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal No 3. Under the influence of the very severe cyclonic storm, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Barguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barisal, Pirojpur, Jhalakati, Bagerhat, Khulna, Satkhira and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind-driven surge of 1-3 feet height above normal astronomical tide. All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.