Dhaka:The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has escalated the maritime warning signal from No. 1 to No. 2 for the country's seaports in response to the intensification of cyclonic storm Arnab over the Bay of Bengal.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a BMD bulletin issued today states that Cyclone Arnab is currently centered over the east-central Bay and adjoining west-central Bay, near latitude 15.4oN and longitude 89.0oE.
The cyclone is approximately 820 kilometers southwest of Chattogram, 745 kilometers southwest of Cox's Bazar, 785 kilometers south of Mongla, and 745 kilometers south of Payra. The storm is projected to move west-northwestward, intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay by midnight on Monday.
Following this, the cyclone is expected to proceed northwestward, potentially crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast of India by October 28 as a very severe cyclonic storm. The maximum sustained wind speed within 54 kilometers of the cyclone's center is estimated at 62 kilometers per hour, with gusts or squalls reaching 88 kilometers per hour. The sea conditions near the cyclone's center are anticipated to be very rough.
The BMD has advised all fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay to stay close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice. Maritime operators are also urged to follow the latest weather updates and safety instructions as the cyclone continues to evolve.