Normal life in and around Kolkata was thrown out of gear on Friday as cyclonic storm 'Fani' made landfall in neighbouring Odisha.
Squally winds and rains hit Kolkata leading to waterlogging and traffic congestion.
'Fani' is likely to reach West Bengal by Friday evening.
Coastal areas of the state also experienced heavy rains along with strong winds.
"The eye of the storm is likely to be weakened when it enters West Bengal. The wind speed will be around 100 kmph to 110 kmph," an official of the meteorological department said.
Moderate to heavy rains lashed various parts of the city, causing heavy traffic congestion in north and south Kolkata.
Traffic had to be diverted in those parts, police said.
In view of the storm heading towards West Bengal, many political parties have cancelled their election programmes for the next 24 hours.
West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has cancelled all her political meetings for the next 48 hours. I