Heavy rain flooded roads across Colombo and its suburbs on Friday evening, causing long traffic delays and a signal failure that disrupted train services.
Floodwaters overwhelmed drainage systems in several areas during the evening rush hour, slowing vehicles to a crawl, according to reports from the scene. Police urged motorists to use alternative routes where possible and to drive with care.
The Department of Railways said a signals failure was reported near the Wellawatte, Fort, Maradana and Alawwa railway stations, and that train operations could be delayed. The failure between Fort and Maradana affected services on all lines, causing delays for commuters.
The Department of Meteorology, in a forecast issued at 4pm on Friday, said showers or thundershowers were likely in most parts of the island after 1pm. Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are expected at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and North-Western provinces, and in the Galle and Matara districts, over the next 36 hours.
Showers or thundershowers may also occur in the Northern and Eastern provinces in the morning, the department said. It asked the public to take precautions against temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. Misty conditions are expected in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces in the early morning.
Background
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre issued a separate special bulletin for multi-day fishing and naval craft operating in the deep sea areas of the Bay of Bengal. It warned of a developing low-pressure system between 11 and 15 November and asked crews to stay vigilant.
Sri Lanka’s second inter-monsoon season, from October to November, usually brings afternoon thundershowers to many parts of the island, and low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal can increase rainfall.
Low-lying parts of Colombo are prone to waterlogging when heavy rain falls in a short period, because drains can fill faster than they empty.
What it means
Commuters in Colombo can expect delays on roads and trains while the rain continues. Police have advised drivers to choose alternative routes and to take extra care on flooded roads.
People in the provinces covered by the forecast are advised to watch for further Met Department updates and to take precautions against lightning and strong winds. Fishing crews in deep sea areas of the Bay of Bengal are advised to follow the warning for 11 to 15 November.
