Puri: Heavy rain and gusty winds triggered by Cyclone Arnab disrupted normal life in Puri on Tuesday, with key roads submerged under up to two feet of water, tourists facing difficulties moving around and most shops remaining shut. Wind speeds occasionally reached 50 to 60 kmph, coupled with rough sea conditions, prompting authorities to step up safety measures along the coast.The Marine Drive from Digabareni Square to Lighthouse was inundated, and the Grand Road was waterlogged, particularly between Medical Square and Market Square.Most shops were shut as heavy rain and strong winds kept visitors away from markets and popular tourist spots. Hotel occupancy took a hit, with around 50% of rooms remaining vacant amid concerns over the cyclone, said hotel owner Ramakrishna Dash.Red flags were hoisted on vulnerable stretches of the Puri beach, and restrictions were imposed on sea bathing. Fire and emergency services personnel intensified patrolling along the shoreline, urging visitors to stay away from the sea.Several residential pockets across Puri, particularly in low-lying areas, were waterlogged without adequate drainage, compounding the impact of the incessant rain. Residents said rainwater often accumulates on roads and in neighbourhoods, with water flowing from higher areas into lower-lying localities. At many places, residents are forced to use pumps to drain out accumulated water.Rajanikant Mishra of Dhabaleswar Nagar in Baliapanda said the locality, which has more than 500 houses and several hotels, lacks adequate drainage facilities. She said even moderate rainfall leads to water accumulation, while prolonged showers worsen the situation.Bhagyashree Panigrahi of Parbatipur said waterlogging had made it difficult for residents to step out of their homes. Stagnant water had also increased the menace of mosquitoes and raised concerns over snakes and other creatures entering residential areas.