Severe Thunderstorms Expected This Afternoon in Ho Chi Minh City — Residents Urged to Beware of Flooding

Ho Chi Minh City, May 12 – Residents of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) are being urged to take precautions as heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast to hit multiple districts this afternoon and evening, potentially causing widespread flooding and dangerous road conditions.

According to the Southern and Central Highlands Hydrometeorological Center, after a hot and humid morning, a large thunderstorm system has formed and is moving toward the northwestern parts of HCMC. As of 3:00 PM, intense rainfall had already been reported in areas including Bình Chánh, Hóc Môn, Củ Chi, Bình Tân, District 8, District 11, and District 12.

Rainfall levels are expected to reach 10–50mm, with some locations potentially exceeding 65mm. The thunderstorms are predicted to last for at least another 40 to 70 minutes, with rainfall gradually expanding to neighboring areas such as Bình Dương, Long An, and Tiền Giang.

Risk of Flash Flooding and Strong Winds

The approaching storm system is likely to bring strong gusts of wind (levels 5–7, or 8–17 m/s), lightning, and possibly hail, posing significant risks to commuters and local residents. Localized flooding is anticipated in low-lying urban areas, especially those with poor drainage.

Weather expert Le Dinh Quyet warned that today’s unstable atmospheric conditions—combined with high humidity and heat—could make thunderstorms particularly dangerous, especially due to lightning strikes.

Safety Recommendations for Residents

Authorities urge people to:

• Stay indoors during heavy rain and storms, especially in areas experiencing lightning.
• Avoid traveling through flooded streets or fast-moving water, which could pose serious safety risks, including being swept away or falling into open manholes.
• Do not shelter under tall trees, and move vehicles away from trees or weak structures.
• Turn off unnecessary electrical appliances and avoid contact with metal objects during thunderstorms.
• Follow real-time weather updates and alerts from official meteorological sources.

Commuters are especially advised to plan ahead and avoid going out during peak rainfall hours, as flash floods may cause significant traffic disruptions across the city.

Vietnam Insider will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. Stay safe and remain alert.

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Source: Vietnam Insider