Looks like it will be mostly cloudy. Photo: MSS
Following last week's intense storm across Singapore caused by the Sumatra squall, which left trees uprooted, shattered windows, and startled Singaporeans, there are plenty of proactive measures that can be taken by you to stay safe ahead of sudden weather events – and meteorologists are saying we can expect more of such storms to happen due to climate change.
To recap, the storm, which hit the shores at around 7pm on 17 September, brought winds of up to 83.2 km/h at East Coast Park, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS). Before this occurred,there were already warnings issued by the MSS before the storm hit.
But not many of us got that warning. Or even knew there was one.
Here's what you need to know to stay one step ahead of Mother Nature
The MSS is a great way to check up on the weather. Photo: HWZ
The first and most important step is to stay informed regarding the weather. Here's how: Besides relying on the pre-installed weather application on your mobile devices, readers can download the myENV app (iOS, Android) which provides timely heavy rain and gust warnings on top of other advisories such as the UV index and lightning alerts. Remember to turn on notifications for the app in your devices though.
Other than the myENV app, there are also other alternatives such as Ventusky or the Singapore Sumatra Squall Centre Facebook page to stay up to date with the latest weather information. If you’re not too keen on installing new applications or have no mobile data to check up on the latest weather reports, MSS also offers an SMS service that issues warnings about heavy rain warning alerts with about a 15 to 30 minutes headstart.
The next step you can take is to do a little preparation before going out, especially in the months of September and early October. This includes checking the weather forecast first, bringing essentials such as a small umbrella or poncho in your bag, and planning your route so you can seek shelter at a moment’s notice.
What to do if I find myself in a sudden storm?
Even if you have been meticulously planning your day to avoid rain and have done your homework on the weather, there are times when you could find yourself caught out in a sudden and heavy storm. Should you find yourself in that situation, here’s what to do.
- Seek shelter immediately: Be it a bus stop, a small hut, or a shopping mall, head to the nearest building or covered area to avoid the rain.
- Avoid open spaces and tall objects: When a storm comes, it can sometimes be accompanied by lightning. Should that happen, stay away from open spaces and tall objects like trees or light poles.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Strong winds can cause everyday objects to turn into dangerous projectiles.
As Singapore is nearing the inter-monsoon season, there will likely be more frequent thunderstorms. Only by staying informed and prepared can we reduce the risk of being caught off guard by sudden storms.
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