The deep depression over the west central Bay and the adjoining southwest Bay has intensified into a cyclonic storm “Roanu.”

According to weather forecasts, the cyclone is likely to make a landfall between Barisal and Cox's Bazar any time tomorrow.

The name was suggested by the Maldives.

The Met Office last evening advised the maritime ports in Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra to hoist local warning signal No 4 instead of 2 as the cyclonic moved slightly north-northeastwards over the same area.

Yesterday noon, it was centred about 1,365km southwest of Chittagong port; 1,335km southwest of Cox’s Bazar port; 1,185km southwest of Mongla Port; and 1,215km southwest of Payra port, said a Met Office bulletin.

It is likely to intensify further and move in a north-northeasterly direction, the bulletin said.

The maximum sustained wind speed within 54km of the storm centre is about 62kph rising to 88kph in gusts/squalls. The sea will remain very rough near the cyclone centre.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay and deep sea were advised to remain close to the coast so that they can take shelter within a short notice. They have also been advised not to venture into the deep sea.

Ruhul Quddus, meteorologist of Bangladesh Meteorological Department, yesterday said: “The rainfall is likely to occur at the places over Khulna, Barisal, Chittagong, Sylhet and Dhaka divisions during the next 48 hours.”

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) too said that the Roanu is likely to make landfall within the next 48 hours.

Authorities in the coastal areas were on high alert after the deep depression transformed into a cyclonic storm causing rains and mild-velocity winds in the coast areas.