Unexpected Flash Floods Sweep Through Singapore
What Went Down on Saturday Night?
During a heavy rainstorm that hit Singapore on Saturday, November 10th, several neighborhoods were caught off guard by sudden flash floods. The deluge was so intense that it turned streets into mini canals, catching many residents by surprise.
Where the Water Came From
- ‹ Choa Chu Kang Way to Choa Chu Kang Avenue 1
- ‹ Bukit Batok West Avenue 5 (near the Esso petrol station and the Bukit Batok Driving Centre)
How the Authorities Handled It
Within minutes, the PUB (Singapore’s national water agency) posted an update on their Facebook page at about 8:30 pm, alerting everyone that flash flooding had hit the above-mentioned stretches. Their specialists quickly rolled out to the affected sites to:
- Inspect the flooding situation
- Offer help and support to residents
Why This Matters
Even though these floods are a flashpoint, they serve as a reminder that our city’s drainage system can feel the pinch during extreme weather. Let’s stay vigilant, keep an eye on weather alerts, and be ready to help neighbors in a pinch.
Flash Floods at Bukit Batok West Avenue 5
In a dramatic turn of events that made locals feel like they were living in an episode of “Spongebob Squarepants” (well, in Singapore’s rainier scene), intense precipitation hit Bukit Batok on November 10, 2018.
Record‑Breaking Rainfall
From 4:40 pm to 6:00 pm, PUB logged a whopping 100 mm of rain in Bukit Panjang—far exceeding the usual November rainfall. That’s roughly 40 % of the monthly average squeezed into just two hours.
What’s Causing the Chaos?
The region has been under a persistent inter‑monsoon spell since late October. In simpler terms:
- We’re basically switching from a “light drizzle” to a “heavy sprinkler” season.
- Air masses keep colliding, delivering more water than usual.
- And no, the flash floods aren’t a planned marketing stunt.
How It Played Out
The sudden deluge turned what was a calm neighborhood into a “dripping‑down‑the‑traffic‑light” scene. Residents were scrambling to avoid soggy commutes as streets became impromptu rivers.
Local Advice
When the skies do the “waterfall” remix, consider:
- Keep your umbrella on you.
- Check local news for updates.
- Invest in waterproof shoes—yes, they’re the new fashion trend.
With the skies still dropping more than ordinary, keep an eye on weather alerts and stay dry!
Singapore’s Surprise Flood Party on 10 November 2018
Why the ground turned into a mini‑wetland
On the 10th of November, the skies over Bukit Batok West Avenue 5 opened up in a way that made every resident check their van’s water‑level sign. In just a few hours, the area swelled into a shallow pool, turning the everyday itinerary into an impromptu swim meet.
What the Weather Bureau (PUB) had to say
- Bewildering forecast: The first two weeks of November were forecasted to be even wetter than the last two weeks of October.
- Safety shout‑out: “If you see flooding or a puddle bigger than your coffee cup, stay away from it. Drive it like you’d avoid a pothole you just discovered.”
- Stay tuned, stay dry: During the downpour chaos, listeners were encouraged to tune into local radio stations or follow PUB’s Facebook page for real‑time flood updates.
Quick Tips for the Uncured Dilemma of Waterlogged Commutes
- Don’t dump your car in the “great puddle” – it’s not a spa.
- If you must brave the streets, keep your phone wet‑proof and ask a friend to hold it for you.
- Remember: “It’s safer to be a puddle‑small hero than a big‑water‑hero.”
Final Word
Singapore’s weather had a fun twist that day, but the takeaway was clear: better to be on the safe side than to try history’s newest splash. Stay alert, stay dry, and keep an eye out for those ripples that could turn into a lake.
