Mumbai: Mumbai continued to reel under heavy rainfall on Saturday, with several areas receiving intense rain showers early morning following overnight downpour, causing traffic disruptions, waterlogging and raising fears of flooding. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) extended the orange alert for Mumbai, Thane and Raigad till today, while Palghar remains on red alert. The alert warns of very heavy to extremely heavy rain at isolated places.
Details On Rainfall Recorded In City
Rainfall has been consistent across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for the last three days, but Friday marked a spike in intensity. Between 6 am and 6 pm, Andheri recorded 123 mm, Aarey 109 mm, Santacruz 105 mm, Vikhroli and Mulund 102 mm and BKC 100 mm. Other areas like Ghatkopar, Powai, Jogeshwari and Borivali also witnessed downpours ranging from 90 to 101 mm.
Traffic Snarls Reported Due To Incessant Rains
The downpour also disrupted Mumbai’s traffic network. The Andheri Subway was shut due to waterlogging, while key junctions on the Western Express Highway, such as near NESCO in Goregaon (East), Vakola flyover and Infinity Mall in Malad, saw traffic snarls on Friday. The Eastern Express Highway witnessed congestion between Vikhroli and Chedda Nagar and further up to Amar Mahal and Sion.
No major traffic disruption or waterlogging was reported in the city yet. Local train services on all suburban rail lines were running smoothly. No delays or disruptions were reported with flights too. However, as more rains are expected to lash the city, disruptions are likely to occur.
The IMD attributes the persistent showers to a low-pressure system forming between Odisha and West Bengal, which is enhancing monsoon activity over the Konkan coast, including Mumbai. Since June, Mumbai city has received 924.2 mm of rain, while suburban areas have recorded 1,176.3 mm, nearing the seasonal average.
High Tides To Hit City Today Afternoon
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) urged citizens to remain cautious, especially due to the high tide conditions. On Friday afternoon, the city experienced a 4.66-meter high tide. Similar or higher tides are expected at 1:20 pm on Saturday (4.67 m) and 1:56 pm on Sunday (4.6 m). The BMC asked residents to avoid beaches and coastal areas during these times to prevent any accidents, as heavy rains during high tide can worsen flooding in low-lying areas.
With more rain forecast today and a yellow alert issued for Sunday, Mumbai remains on edge as the city braces for yet another wet and waterlogged weekend.
