Heavy rain during peak hours caused flooding on many Hà Nội streets. VNA/VNS Photos

HÀ NỘI — At around 5pm on Tuesday, heavy rain hit Hà Nội, causing flooding on many streets and resulting in extended traffic congestion during peak hours.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHF), at 5.45pm, convective clouds brought rain to the suburban areas of Đan Phượng, Đông Anh, Gia Lâm, Mê Linh, Phú Xuyên, Sóc Sơn, Thường Tín and extended to inner-city districts such as Long Biên, Tây Hồ, Đống Đa and Hai Bà Trưng.

Residents faced difficulties navigating Nguyễn Văn Cừ Street in Long Biên District.

In the districts of Tây Hồ, Ba Đình and Đống Đa, dark clouds gathered around 5pm, darkening the sky and forcing many drivers to turn on their headlights to navigate.

The NCHF warned that inner Hà Nội and surrounding areas will continue to experience moderate to heavy rain on Tuesday night. Rainfall is expected to be between 40 and 70mm and, in some areas, over 70mm.

Heavy rainfall causes serious flooding in Thanh Xuân District.

The rain has caused flooding on many inner-city streets, with water levels reaching between 15 and 30cm. Some streets experienced deeper flooding, ranging from 30-40cm, including Phan Bội Châu - Lý Thường Kiệt intersection, Vân Hồ, Nguyễn Công Trứ, Bà Triệu intersection, Đội Cấn, Đào Tấn, Liễu Giai, Ngọc Khánh, Cao Bá Quát.

A worker from Hà Nội Sewerage and Drainage Company on standby on Bạch Mai Street in Hai Bà Trưng District.

The NCHF forecasts that from this evening until Wednesday morning, the northern region will experience moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms. Some areas will receive very heavy rain, with rainfall expected to be between 30 and 50mm and, in some places, over 100mm.

Flooding caused prolonged traffic congestion on Nguyễn Văn Cừ Street in Long Biên District near the Chương Dương bridge entrance.

The rain is expected to gradually decrease from Wednesday afternoon. — VNS