Motorists and residents across Lagos experienced severe gridlock on Tuesday morning after several hours of early rainfall led to flash floods in major parts of the city.
The intense downpour caused significant waterlogging on key roads, leading to widespread traffic jams and bringing commercial activities to a standstill.
Several vehicles broke down due to the floodwaters, further worsening the traffic situation and making movement difficult for commuters and businesses alike. Areas most severely affected by the flooding included Lagos Island, Ikoyi, Alexander Way, Dolphin Estate, Lekki, and Obalende.
Other impacted locations included Funsho Williams Avenue (formerly Western Avenue), Ikorodu Road, Agege, Ikeja, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland, Oworonshoki, Oshodi, Apapa, and Alimosho among several others spread across the metropolis.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had forecast this weather pattern, predicting widespread thunderstorms and rainfall from Monday through Wednesday across the country.
In its weather outlook released on Sunday, NiMet specifically mentioned thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall across northern and southern states, including Lagos.
In light of the forecasts, NiMet urged residents to take necessary safety precautions, such as avoiding driving during heavy rain to prevent accidents caused by poor visibility and waterlogged roads.
The agency also advised farmers to refrain from applying fertilizers or pesticides just before expected rainfall to avoid nutrient loss and damage to crops.
Efforts to manage the flood situation and mitigate traffic congestion are ongoing as the city grapples with the impact of the heavy rains.
Motorists are encouraged to exercise patience and explore alternative routes where possible as weather conditions remain unsettled in the coming days.
The current temperature in Lagos is around 23°C with high humidity, and more thunderstorms are expected later today according to weather services.
Residents should stay alert and prepared for intermittent rain and potential flooding throughout the week.
