Cyclone 'Nargis', now brewing over the west-central and adjoining south-east Bay, is likely to intensify further and move in a northerly direction, reports UNB.

Farmers are advised by the Met Office to take measures for early harvest of Boro paddy before the cyclonic storm hits the coast, if possible.

The tropical storm was centred about 1,170-km south-west of Chittagong Port, 1,100-km south-west of Cox's Bazar Port, and 1,050-km south-south-west of Mongla Port at 6:00pm Tuesday, said the latest Met forecast.

Maximum sustained wind speed within 64-km of the storm centre is about 90-kph, rising to 115-kph in gusts. "Sea will remain very rough over the North Bay and high near the cyclone."

Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Mongla have been advised to keep hoisted distant warning signal number two.

All fishing-boats and trawlers over the North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and "proceed with caution until further notice." They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.