18-9-2024 (SINGAPORE) A sudden and intense bout of strong winds swept through Singapore on Tuesday, leaving a trail of fallen trees and damaged property in its wake. The unexpected weather event caught many residents off guard, causing disruption and concern across the island nation.
Eyewitness accounts and photographic evidence gathered from various parts of Singapore paint a picture of widespread impact. Residents in Bishan, Yishun, and Bedok’s Xilin Avenue reported numerous instances of toppled trees, with one Bishan local describing the onset of the windstorm as abrupt and alarming.
“It was as if the winds were unleashed without any warning,” the resident told our correspondent. “The force was so strong that unsecured items were sent flying, and shelves toppled over. The situation became so precarious that people sought refuge in shops, fearing for their safety if they ventured out onto the wind-swept corridors.”
The central business district was not spared from the weather’s fury. Outside UOB Plaza 2 at Raffles Place, passersby were met with the unsettling sight of shattered glass strewn across the pavement. UOB swiftly addressed the incident via social media, clarifying that the damaged glass canopy was not part of their building structure. The bank assured the public that no injuries were reported and that the affected area had been cordoned off to ensure public safety.
This severe weather event comes on the heels of a warning issued by the Meteorological Service Singapore just a day prior. The agency had forecast the persistence of monsoon conditions over Singapore and its surrounding regions for the coming fortnight. They specifically highlighted the possibility of Sumatra squalls bringing widespread thundery showers and gusty winds, particularly during the pre-dawn and morning hours on several days.
The meteorological outlook for the remainder of the month appears challenging, with predictions of increased rainfall, especially in the latter half of the fortnight. Residents have been advised to brace for thundery showers on most afternoons, with some days potentially experiencing widespread and heavy downpours.
Adding to the concerns, the Met Service has projected that total rainfall for the second half of September is likely to exceed average levels across most of the island. This forecast underscores the need for Singaporeans to remain vigilant and prepared for further inclement weather.
