Watch out for flash floods over weekend

PUB warns that low-lying areas at risk due to heavy rain and tide levels
Daryl Chin & Royston Sim Straits Times 19 Feb 11;

FLASH floods could hit some low-lying areas here this weekend.

The combination of heavy rain with thunder in the afternoons and tide levels rising above 3m could spell trouble for residents and businesses in areas like Lorong Buangkok, Jalan Seaview, Meyer Road, Lorong 101 to 106 Changi and Everitt Road North.

National water agency PUB said yesterday that high tides of at least 3.3m were expected in the afternoon, from today to Monday. The weekend forecast on the National Environment Agency's website is for afternoon showers, thunder and windy conditions.

The temperature is expected to range between 24 deg C and 32 deg C.

Residents and businesses in areas at risk of flash floods told The Straits Times they were resigned to the possibility that their homes and premises might be flooded.

Mr Mark Ong, 31, who lives in the Jalan Seaview area, said his home has been hit by floods from time to time.

His front porch was flooded just a few weeks ago, he added. His family has raised the step at the front door to prevent flood waters from entering the house.

Businessman Low Eng Leng, 56, said last year's heavy rain caused damage worth $2,000. He lives on the second floor of a Changi Road shophouse used for his auto repair shop. Last July, he was shocked when he woke up at 5am to find the shop flooded.

'I spent a week cleaning it up,' he said, adding that he is more careful now to place items out of harm's way.

National University of Singapore climate scientist Matthias Roth said these flash floods are a result of high tides coinciding with heavy rain expected in the north-east monsoon season, which lasts from December to March.

When tide levels are high, sea water comes inland, filling up drains which might not be able to cope with the additional volume of water.

Wet weather has been wreaking havoc here recently, with businesses like plant nurseries and retailers suffering a drop in business over the rain-soaked weekend before Chinese New Year.

The PUB said it has already stepped up checks on drains along the areas likely to be hit this weekend.

Heavy rain and flash floods warning for the weekend
Channel NewsAsia 18 Feb 11;

SINGAPORE: High tides and heavy rain are expected over the weekend.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said high tides of at least 3.3 metres are expected from February 19 to 21.

NEA also said afternoons showers with thunder can be expected during this period.

Flash floods may occur in low-lying areas especially if the high tides coincide with heavy rain.

The low-lying areas include Lorong Buangkok, Jalan Seaview, Meyer Road, Lorong 101 - Lorong 106 Changi and Everitt Road North.

NEA will issue warnings through the media when heavy rain is expected.

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.

- CNA/fa