Heavy rain triggers flash flood warnings across Singapore; some flights at Changi Airport affected
SINGAPORE: Heavy rain has resulted in flash flood warnings in a number of locations across Singapore on Saturday (May 4).
PUB, Singapore’s national water agency, issued mid-morning alerts asking people to avoid the junction of Wan Lee Road and Enterprise Road in the west of Singapore as well as Jalan Pokok Serunai off Upper East Coast Road.
Earlier in the day, flash flood risk alerts were also issued for places including Craig Road, Upper Paya Lebar Road, Jalan Lokam, Jalan Seaview, and the junction of Mountbatten Road and Tanjong Katong South.
The earliest flash flood warning was issued by PUB at 06:54am.
The warnings came as heavy rain affected most of the country.
Some flights at Changi Airport have also been hit by the bad weather.
A passenger at Changi Airport told CNA 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. We are not able to board the passengers due to safety concerns and the lightning warning issued. Currently lightning warning issue until 12.10pm,” said an airport announcement.
A check by CNA on Changi Airport’s website also showed delays to several flights. Two Singapore Airlines flights departing from Terminal 2 to Osaka, Japan and Tokyo respectively were moved back at least 30 minutes.
Changi Airport later issued an advisory, saying: “Due to inclement weather and lightning warnings, there are delays in baggage presentation as we prioritise the safety of our ground handlers.”
The airport added that affected passengers can approach on-ground staff for complimentary refreshments.
They can also exit and reenter the baggage claim area once their luggage is ready for collection.
“For selected airlines, complimentary baggage delivery service is available for affected passengers,” the airport said.
It apologised for any inconvenience caused by the heavy rain, adding that public announcements are being made in the terminals to keep passengers informed of any updates.
“We advise passengers to stay updated by checking with their respective airlines and monitoring the Changi Airport flight status page or Changi app for the latest information.”
The second round of the LIV Golf event in Sentosa was also affected, with a notice on the tournament website stating that playing times had been pushed back and would not start before 1.45pm. The website later said play would start at 2pm.
The tournament, featuring some of the world’s top golfers, including Major winners Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka, is scheduled to end on Sunday.
CNA has contacted PUB for more information.
