Singapore issues flood warnings as heavy rain causes delays in several flights, major golf event

Singapore’s national water agency PUB issued its first flash flood warning of the day at about 6.55am, urging people to avoid the junction of Mountbatten Road and Tanjong Katong Road South in the eastern part of the country.

Similar warnings were issued throughout the morning and early afternoon, covering areas such Craig Road in the Tanjong Pagar area, Upper Paya Lebar Road, Jalan Seaview in the Marine Parade area, as well as a section of Jalan Boon Lay in the west.

“The heaviest rainfall of 107.2mm was recorded in western Singapore from 7.30am to 1.30pm,” PUB said in an update on Facebook at 6.35pm.

“This amount corresponds to 65 per cent of Singapore’s average monthly rainfall in May, and lies within the top 3 per cent of maximum daily rainfall records since 1978.”

Addressing videos circulating online showing a flooded condominium car park at Balmoral Crescent, PUB said this was not caused by the heavy rain.

“Based on preliminary investigations, a faulty valve in the basement’s sprinkler storage tank caused water to overflow and flooded the car park,” the agency said.

“This is an isolated incident not caused by rainfall. At the time of the incident, rainfall over the area was not heavy and the nearby drains were not flowing at full capacity.”

Despite the prolonged heavy rain across Singapore, there were no occurrences of flash floods, said PUB.

At Changi Airport, a passenger said that his flight from Singapore to New York City at Terminal 3 had first been changed to Terminal 1 before being delayed.

“This is due to inclement weather, heavy rainfall and lightning warning issued,” said an airport announcement. “We are not able to board the passengers due to safety concerns and the lightning warning issued.”

A check on Changi