PUB issues Flash flood warning as heavy rain hits Singapore

National water agency PUB has warned of the risk of flash floods, amid torrential rain across the island on March 19.

At 2.45pm, PUB issued a flash flood risk alert for Mountbatten Road/Jalan Seaview.

"Due to heavy rain, please avoid this location for the next one hour", the agency said.

The National Environment Agency on March 17 said that a monsoon surge was expected in Singapore from March 19 to 21.

This makes it the Republic's third monsoon surge of 2025, with the previous one occurring from Jan 17 to 19.

The weather phenomenon occurs when cold air moves southwards to the South China Sea, and is blown towards the tropics, bringing with it strong winds and rain.

Monsoon surges typically occur during the earlier phase of the north-east monsoon season, from December to January.

The Republic is currently in the end phase of the monsoon season, which is set to last till end-March.

In late 2024, PUB launched its campaign to encourage the public to be flood-ready, using the mnemonic Flash.

People are advised to follow these tips:

• Follow PUB flood alerts
• Learn how to be flood-ready
• Avoid flooded areas
• Share PUB flood updates
• Help others where possible