South Bengal Braces for Storms as Cyclone Arnab Spreads

South Bengal is bracing for a spell of stormy weather as Cyclone Arnab, currently active over Andhra Pradesh, begins to influence conditions in West Bengal. Although the cyclone's direct impact on the state has so far been modest, weather authorities have issued alerts for heavy downpours and thunderstorms over the next two days.

The India Meteorological Department has said that South 24 Parganas, East Medinipur, West Medinipur and Jhargram could witness heavy rain on Wednesday. Elsewhere in south Bengal, light to moderate rain is expected. Strong winds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour are likely to sweep across most districts, including Kolkata.

Thunderstorms are forecast for all south Bengal districts on Thursday. Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve from Friday. Still, a yellow alert for thunderstorms will continue in Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia.

The effects of the storm are also being felt in transport. Five IndiGo flights were cancelled at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, affecting three arrivals and two departures.

East Medinipur saw heavy rain in some areas on Tuesday afternoon. Since Wednesday morning, strong winds have been reported in coastal stretches including Kanthi and Ramnagar. With sea levels in the Bay of Bengal well above normal, the administration has accelerated precautionary steps. Coastal residents near Tajpur and Shankarpur are being warned through public announcement systems, and bathing in the sea has been prohibited.

North Bengal is also under watch. Heavy rain is expected in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri on Thursday and Friday, while other northern districts face a yellow alert for thunderstorms. Persistent rain may cause landslides in the hills, and residents are advised to follow weather warnings and exercise caution in coastal and hilly areas.