The storm that brought heavy rains, strong winds, and felled trees on Sep. 17 took 45 minutes to pass over Singapore as it moved from west to east. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), the storm made landfall at about 7pm. Almost the whole of Singapore received the storm’s heaviest rainfall, as indicated by the purple portions on NEA’s diagram showing rain areas in the country. By 7:45pm, while the northern half of the storm appeared to be weakening as it moved from Pulau Ubin to Pulau Tekong, heavy rainfall could still be seen above Changi Airport.
Background
The storm, identified as a Sumatra Squall, is a line of thunderstorms that develops over Sumatra, Indonesia, and moves over the Straits of Malacca, leading to heavy rain and strong winds in Singapore and Malaysia. These squalls are most common from April to November, coinciding with the southwest or inter-monsoon period. The storm on Sep. 17 was particularly intense, with gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 80km/h and heavy downpours lasting for one to two hours.
Trees uprooted during the storm
Apart from the heavy rain, the storm’s winds uprooted trees in multiple locations such as the National University of Singapore, Mount Faber Park, Jalan Kayu, and East Coast Park, forcing passers-by to take detours. A Fathership reader shared a video of an installation at Chinatown Point that appeared to have been knocked down by the wind. Men were seen helping to move fallen trees off roads to clear the way for traffic.
Injuries and damage
Flying debris during the squall caused injuries to two people. The strong winds and heavy rain led to significant disruptions, with several roads blocked by fallen trees and debris. The NEA’s advisory highlighted the importance of staying indoors and avoiding unnecessary travel during such weather events to minimise the risk of injury.
More storms expected in September 2024
In a Sep. 16 media advisory, the Meteorological Service Singapore warned that Sumatra squalls might bring widespread thundery showers and gusty winds during the pre-dawn hours and morning on a few days in the second fortnight of September 2024. More rainfall is also forecast towards the last week of the month, with thundery showers expected on most afternoons. On some of those days, the thundery showers could be widespread and heavy. Thanks to the wet weather, daily temperatures may range between 23°C and 32°C on a few days in the second half of the month.
Future implications
The recurring nature of Sumatra Squalls underscores the need for robust infrastructure and preparedness to handle such weather events. The NEA and other relevant authorities continue to monitor weather patterns closely and issue timely advisories to ensure public safety. As climate patterns evolve, the frequency and intensity of such storms may change, necessitating ongoing research and adaptation strategies to mitigate their impact on Singapore and the surrounding regions.
