Flash Floods Sweep Singapore Amid Heavy Rain, Disrupting Flights and Golf Tournament

Heavy rain lashed Singapore on Saturday, May 4, 2024, triggering flash flood warnings across the island nation and causing delays at Changi Airport. The torrential downpour also disrupted the LIV Golf tournament being held on Sentosa island.

Why this matters: The impact of heavy rain and flash flooding on critical infrastructure like airports and transportation systems can have significant economic and social consequences, highlighting the need for cities to invest in climate resilience and adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. Moreover, such events can also serve as a wake-up call for governments and citizens to take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Singapore's national water agency, the Public Utilities Board (PUB), issued a total of seven flash flood warnings between 6:54 am and 10:37 am via its mobile app. The warnings cautioned the public to avoid areas including Jalan Boon Lay, the junction of Wan Lee Road and Enterprise Road, Jalan Pokok Serunai, Tampines Expressway at the Punggol West Flyover, and Upper Paya Lebar Service Road.

Theheavy raincaused delays in baggage handling and flight boarding at Changi Airport. Passengers reported waiting for almost two hours to retrieve their luggage, while at least eight outgoing flights at Terminal 3 were delayed. One passenger, Mr. Reef Singh, said his Scoot flight from Singapore to Sydney was pushed back from 10 am to 12:30 pm due to the thunderstorm and risk of lightning strikes.

Changi Airport Group attributed the baggage delays to the inclement weather and lightning warnings, which led them to prioritize the safety of their ground handlers. The airport offered complimentary refreshments to affected passengers and encouraged them to approach on-ground staff for assistance.

TheLIV Golf eventon Sentosa also faced disruptions, with tee-off times pushed back multiple times due to the heavy rain. Golfers were forced to wait in dining areas and dressing rooms, trying to stay focused and keep warm.

The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) had warned on May 2 that the country was set for a wet start to the month, forecasting moderate to heavy thundery showers in the late morning and afternoon on most days for the first half of May. Daily maximum temperatures are expected to range between 33°C and 34°C.

The flash floods and heavy rain on May 4 underscore the MSS's forecast for a wet beginning to May in Singapore. As the island nation grapples with the inclement weather, residents and visitors alike are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and exercise caution when outdoors.

Key Takeaways

• Heavy rain hits Singapore on May 4, 2024, causing flash floods and flight delays.
• 7 flash flood warnings issued by PUB between 6:54 am and 10:37 am.
• Changi Airport experiences baggage delays and flight disruptions due to weather.
• LIV Golf tournament on Sentosa island disrupted by heavy rain.
• Meteorological Service Singapore forecasted a wet start to May with moderate to heavy thundery showers.