The skies over Metro Manila opened up on Saturday afternoon, unleashing heavy rains from a thunderstorm that left many roads submerged and motorists struggling to find their way home.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) confirmed that as of 5:55 p.m., several key roads were already flooded. Some streets remained passable, but others were dangerous—especially for smaller vehicles.
In Quezon City, the impact was severe:
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Along EDSA Dario northbound and EDSA Centris service road, floodwaters reached about 8 inches deep. Cars and motorcycles could still pass, but drivers had to slow down and stay alert.
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The situation worsened at Elliptical Road and Kalayaan Avenue, as well as at C5 Katipunan near Ateneo, where waters rose to knee level—around 19 inches. Light vehicles had no chance of getting through.
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At Commonwealth UP Gym and the Quezon Avenue–EDSA Tunnel, flooding was far worse, reaching waist-deep levels (37 inches), making them completely impassable for all kinds of vehicles.
Other flooded areas included C5 Katipunan Aurora Service Road, Commonwealth Winston, Araneta–Maria Clara, and several points along EDSA and Commonwealth Avenue. While some areas subsided after a few hours, traffic remained heavy and stressful for stranded commuters.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) also issued a thunderstorm advisory at 2:10 p.m., warning that intense to torrential rain showers with lightning and strong winds were affecting Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Areas hit included:
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Metro Manila: Caloocan, Quezon City, Malabon, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Valenzuela, Las Piñas, and Parañaque
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Cavite: Bacoor, General Emilio Aguinaldo, Maragondon, Magallanes, Indang, Amadeo, Silang, Trece Martires, Naic, and Tanza
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Quezon Province: Tagkawayan, Lopez, Guinayangan, Calauag, Tiaong, and San Antonio
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Rizal: Antipolo
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Batangas: Laurel
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Bulacan: Calumpit, Pulilan, Plaridel, Malolos, Paombong, and Hagonoy
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Pampanga: Apalit
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Zambales: Candelaria, Masinloc, Cabangan, and Botolan
PAGASA warned that these conditions could last up to two hours and might continue to affect surrounding areas.
For now, motorists are being urged to stay cautious, avoid flooded routes, and keep updated with traffic and weather advisories to stay safe.
