Cyclonic storm Titli, which hit the coast of southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, did not have any effect on West Bengal on Thursday but could trigger rain later.

The storm is likely to move north-westwards and turn north-eastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal on Thursday evening.

“Kolkata will receive intense rain between 11 October and 13 October. Since the cyclone Titli will be weakening after hitting the coastal regions of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, the intensity of rain will gradually decrease,” says director of regional Met department GK Das.

He added that the city might receive the impact of the cyclone in the form of a depression on Friday morning. While rain could continue till Saturday night, it will gradually decrease, giving hope for a clear sky Sunday onwards. The Met office has predicted “fair weather” throughout the puja.

The maximum temperature in the city stood at 30 degree Celsius on Thursday, while the minimum temperature was 26 degree Celsius. The relative humidity was 94 per cent.

The state government has undertaken all precautionary measures for countering the effects of the storm. There has not been any report of damage to property or blockage of roads in the state due to the storm.

A team of 200 personnel from the state disaster management department has been sent to Digha to be ready for rescue and rehabilitation in case any untoward incidents occur.

An advisory has already been issued for tourists at Digha, Mandarmoni, Shankarpur and other places along the coast not to undertake any sea-related activities till tomorrow.

Fishermen have also been advised to not venture into the sea along and off West Bengal and Odisha coasts as well as the deep sea areas of north and central Bay of Bengal till 12 October.

In view of the storm, South Eastern Railway has cancelled a few trains. On Thursday, 06057 Santragachi-Chennai Special was cancelled from Santragachi. On 12 October, Howrah- Chennai Coromondal Express and 12863 Howrah-Yesvantpur Express will remain cancelled from Howrah. Some trains have also been rescheduled, including 12839 Howrah- Chennai Mail. It will leave Howrah at 8 a.m. on 12 October.