Mumbai has been experiencing moderate to heavy rain showers since Friday morning, causing significant inconvenience to residents. Waterlogging has emerged as a major concern, impacting traffic flow and daily routines. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for Mumbai today and an ‘orange’ alert for tomorrow, warning of continued heavy rainfall in isolated areas.
Heavy Rainfall and Waterlogging Lead to Disruptions. The downpour has led to waterlogging in low-lying areas like Sion, prompting authorities to divert traffic routes. The Andheri subway connecting Andheri and Jogeshwari railway stations was also submerged due to the intense rain. Traffic across the city has been significantly impacted, with slow movement reported from Worli Naka to Lotus Junction.
High Tide Risks Exacerbating Flooding
Adding to the concerns, a high tide of 3.87 meters is expected in the Arabian Sea at 4:09 pm. This surge, combined with heavy rainfall, could cause flooding as rainwater may struggle to drain into the sea. Social media has been abuzz with images and videos showcasing the dramatic scene, with skyscrapers shrouded in thick clouds as rain continues to lash the city.
Alerts Extended to Neighboring Districts. The IMD has extended its orange alert to neighboring districts like Raigad, Pune, and Satara, anticipating ‘very heavy’ rainfall until July 15th. Residents in Palghar, Thane, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, and Kolhapur can also expect very heavy showers until tomorrow, followed by ‘heavy’ rain over the subsequent two days.
Heavy Rainfall Classification Explained
For clarity, the IMD classifies rainfall intensity using specific thresholds. ‘Moderate’ rainfall occurs when precipitation falls between 15.6 and 64.4 mm within a 24-hour period. ‘Heavy’ rainfall ranges from 64.5 to 115.5 mm, while ‘very heavy’ rainfall exceeds 115.6 mm and can reach up to 204.4 mm within a day.
Safety Measures and Staying Updated. Residents across Mumbai and surrounding districts are advised to exercise caution during this period of heavy rainfall. Staying informed about weather updates from the IMD is crucial to ensure preparedness for potential flooding or disruptions. People living in low-lying areas or areas prone to waterlogging should take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their belongings.
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