Floods were reported along Cross Street, Orchard Road, Cuscaden Road and in Tiong Bahru.

Stockbroker Mr Chia Hin Key was going to work at the PWC Building along Cross Street at about 8am and noticed cars had even stalled on the road. The 67-year-old, who had just alighted from a bus, said: 'Some road marshalls from a nearby construction site tried to help move the stalled cars but there was little they could do.

The MRT underpass in Orchard Road was flooded with around 10cm of water, causing many pedestrians to take alternate routes to work.

But engineer Joseph Ho, who is in his 40s, said some people still braved the underpass, one of the busiest in the city. 'Many people tried to fold up their pants but their shoes still ended up being very wet,' he said.

In Tiong Bahru, the rain uprooted a tree in front of a row of flats along Boon Tiong Road. Workers were later seen clearing the mess of leaves and branches it left behind.

A nearby storm canal also overflowed, leaving the surrounding area covered in about half a metre of muddy water.

Project sales manager Mr Jason Ong, 36, who lives in the area, said: 'I think people would have found it difficult to leave their homes this morning.'

Singaporeans could be in for more of the same weather over the next few days.

The weatherman is expecting morning showers with thunder on Saturday and Sunday.

Read also:
F1 drivers unfazed by rain