The low-lying areas of Bagerhat, Barguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barisal, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and their offshore islands and chars area likely to be inundated by wind-driven surges 2-3 feet above normal astronomical tide, said a weather bulletin yesterday.

It said the well-marked low over the west-central Bay and the adjoining north-west Bay off Orissa coast persisted over the same area at 3:00pm yesterday.

"It is likely to intensify further and move in a northwesterly direction. Squally weather may affect the ports. Sea will remain moderate," said the bulletin.

Maritime ports of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Mongla have been asked to hoist local cautionary signal number three.

All fishing boats and trawlers over the north Bay have been advised to keep close to the coast and proceed with caution.