The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued orange and yellow alerts in parts of West Bengal till Saturday (22 March)
• Friday (21 March): Orange alert for thunderstorms accompanied by strong surface winds and hailstorms can be expected in East Medinipur, Hooghly, West Medinipur, Birbhum, Jhargram, Murshidabad, Purulia, South 24 Parganas, Malda, Kolkata and Bankura.
• Saturday (22 March): Orange alert for thunderstorms accompanied by strong surface winds and hailstorms can be expected in East Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Nadia, East Bardhman, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Malda, South Dinajpur, and Alipurduar.