NEA says heavy showers not uncommon in Singapore

Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia 23 Aug 09;

SINGAPORE: Heavy showers with thunder and gusty winds were reported over many parts of Singapore on Sunday morning.

Singapore's Meteorological Services had issued a heavy rain warning on Saturday.

The Public Utilities Board had also warned flash floods might occur in low-lying areas.

Several areas in Singapore were affected by the storm, including Upper Paya Lebar Road.

Residents in the area told Channel NewsAsia they had experienced floods of up to 0.6 metres, while some residents had some damage to their property like broken flower pots. Other residents said their rubbish bins had floated away.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said it is not uncommon for Singapore to experience heavy rainfall from a Sumatra squall.

It also said some 70.6 mm of rainfall was collected in Jurong at about midnight with about 69 mm collected at Toa Payoh at about 2.30 am.

- CNA/yt