http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_541057.html
FLASH floods caused by heavy downpour on Wednesday morning created traffic havoc in many parts of central Singapore, with flood waters rising to knee high in some areas, making them impassable to cars.
Traffic lights were out at some inter-sections and a tree fell near the Buyong Road exit of the Central Expressway Tunnel, towards Ayer Rajah Expressway, blocking traffic across three lanes. The fallen tree has been removed.
Large stretches of Orchard Road and Scotts Road intersection were flooded for about an hour, making it impassable to traffic. Other parts of central Singapore, including Coronation Road West, Fourth Avenue, Kings Road, Kheam Hock Road and Veerasamy Road were also affected, bringing traffic to a crawl.
The National Environment Agency, in a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, said almost 100 mm of rain fell within a two-hour period from about 9 am to 11 am.
'The amount of rainfall is approximately more than 60% of the average monthly rainfall for June,' said the NEA.
PUB, Traffic Police and SCDF officers were at the various sites providing help to motorists and directing traffic.
The PUB advises the public to exercise caution as flash floods may still occur in the event of heavy storms. The cause of the flood is still being investigated.
The public can obtain the latest weather reports, including heavy rain warnings, by tuning in to radio broadcasts, calling NEA's weather forecast hotline at 6542 7788, visiting the NEA website at www.nea.gov.sg or accessing the mobile weather service (Weather@SG - weather.nea.gov.sg).
The public can also call PUB's 24-hour Call Centre at 1800-284 6600 to report obstructions in drains or to check the flood situation.
If you know of other affected areas, send details and photos to stonline@sph.com.sg.
Wed Jun 16, 2010 3:31 pm
