Heavy rain to threaten Singapore and Malaysia with flooding, mudslides
Rounds of heavy rain will target Singapore and Malaysia through at least this weekend, raising the danger for flooding and mudslides.
A slow-moving tropical system will be the culprit behind persistent heavy rain across the southern Malay Peninsula.
"The system developing into a tropical depression is unlikely, but enhanced rainfall will occur regardless," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls said.
Eastern Malaysia will be subject to the heaviest rainfall with a total of 200-400 mm (8-16 inches) into Monday. Localized amounts may approach or exceed 500 mm (20 inches) along the eastern slopes of the southern mountains.
Downpours can be most numerous along the southeastern coast into Saturday before shifting northward for Sunday and Monday.
The risk for life-threatening flooding and mudslides will increase with each bout of heavy rain.
Residents of Mersing, Pekan and Kuala Dungun should prepare for possible evacuations and road closures.
Mountain roads may become impassible due to flood waters or mudslides, cutting off some communities.
The neighboring mountains to the east should spare the capital of Kuala Lumpur from flooding.
The risk for flooding from this tropical system will not be limited to Malaysia. Heavy rain will also stream across Singapore into the start of the weekend with a total of 75-150 mm (3-6 inches expected).
While there can be locally higher amounts, the heaviest rain may be recorded across eastern areas.
Even in the absence of flooding, tropical downpours may cause flight delays. Motorists should prepare for reduced visibility and a heightened risk for hydroplaning when traveling at highway speeds.
The downpours may tend to lessen around Singapore this weekend as the system shifts northward and focuses its heaviest rain on northern Malaysia and southernmost Thailand from Sunday into Monday.
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