Heavy Rain Alert for South Bengal as Well-Marked Low-Pressure System Intensifies

If you are in South Bengal, get your umbrella ready, double-check your windows and maybe rethink any outdoor plans for the next couple of days.

The weather office is tracking a strong low-pressure system brewing over the Bay of Bengal. It’s moving over Odisha and Chhattisgarh, and it’s sucking a huge amount of moisture right into Bengal. Monday is predicted to be the worst.

Here’s what you need to know to get ahead of it:

Regions to Watch

Everyone in the southern part of the state is going to get wet, but some places are going to get drenched:

The highest-risk coastal areas are likely to experience the heaviest downpours in South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur.

Heavy rain places such as Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura and Howrah are also set for a very soggy 48 hours.

Kolkata & Nearby: Expect active rain, lightning and messy roads in the city and in Hooghly and North 24 Parganas, though the absolute heaviest stuff might remain a little further south and west.

What You'll Find Out There

Flooded Roads: Some roads and underpasses can turn into rivers in a flash, and we all know it. Delays to traffic and localised flooding in low-lying neighbourhoods are expected.

Choppy Water: If you live near the coast, the water is going to be very choppy. Fishermen are advised to remain firmly on land for the time being.

Gusty Winds: Sudden winds blowing at a speed of 40-50 km/h are a possibility, which can easily blow loose branches or unsecure items on balconies.

Easy steps to stay safe

Rethink the Commute: If it starts to pour, try to wait it out. The worst is to get stuck in a waterlogged traffic jam.

Tornado Watch: Conditions are favourable for a tornado. Move to shelter. Stay away from tall trees, power lines and open water.

Secure the Balcony: Bring in potted plants, laundry and loose items to prevent the wind from picking them up.

Charge Your Devices: So if the weather kicks up and causes local power outages, make sure your phone and power banks are juiced up.

Stay dry, keep an eye on the local updates and hang loose out there!