City residents were caught by surprise on Monday evening with sudden showers that continued till midnight.

The meteorological department, however, said that this was a regular phenomenon for this time of the year, and citizens shouldn't panicu00a0-- the traffic jams and power cuts notwithstanding.


Jam session: The showers resulted in widespread traffic jams.
Pic/Satish Badiger

The showers resulted in widespread traffic jams and for those who are working, the timing couldn't have been worse. The rain started around 6.30 pm, and soon several citizens were left stranded amid traffic snarls on waterlogged roads.

As if to make matter worse, the Met department has predicted more rainfall in the city. Assistant meteorologist (grade II) C B Navalagatti said, "This is a common occurrence during February-march, but this year they have come early. They may continue for a few more days." According to the official, the city saw nearly 8.1mm rain, and is expected to rise further.

Night shift control room in charge Satish said, "These rains disrupted normalcy for a while, but the Prahari were ready. There were some cases of flooding some houses in Nagarbhavi and the road towards Coffee Board, but no one was hurt. We don't know the reason behind the four-hour power cut in Domlur and Girinagar, but we believe it would have to be the rains."